Being the Best You Amid COVID-19: 5 Tips for Keeping Your Relationship Connection Alive

There’s no doubt that the novel coronavirus has changed almost everyone’s lives in some way.

At one point, 95% of people in the U.S. were under some kind of lockdown due to COVID-19. Many states are still under “stay-at-home” orders, or officials are asking people to only go out for the essentials.

Unfortunately, being “stuck” at home all the time can have an impact on your marital relationship. You might think that being quarantined with your spouse would bring you closer. But, if you’ve found that hunkering down with your spouse has put a strain on your relationship connection, you’re not alone.

So, what can you do to keep your connection alive during these uncertain times? And how can your relationship thrive amid the strain of the coronavirus crisis?

Here are five tips to help you be your best selves.

1. Spend Time Together

You might feel like spending so much time together is a major factor that’s already putting a strain on your relationship. But it’s how you choose to spend that time that will make the difference.

Relationship connections can strengthen through quality time. So, don’t shy away from making the most of these moments you have together. Choose to value them, rather than dread them. Life often feels crazy and stressful, and you might not typically get to spend a lot of quality time with each other.

2. Spend Time Apart

With that in mind, it’s important to still feel like you have your own space. That can be hard to do when you’re stuck at home.

But it’s important that you continue to do things that you enjoy—separately. Even if it’s just for a short while each day, having time and space to yourself can help you to feel less stressed. Don’t let yourself feel forced into doing everything with your spouse. The time apart can actually bring you closer together.

3. Communicate

Communication is the key to any strong relationship connection. Now, more than ever, communication is important.

Everything from watching the news too much to letting little things spark arguments can put a strain on your relationship. So, be sure you’re communicating the right way with your partner. Be an active listener. Don’t let distractions get in your way when you’re having a conversation.

This is a good time to be vulnerable with your partner, too. Don’t shy away from talking about your fears over the pandemic or anything else that might be bothering you. It’s a good opportunity for you both to support each other and be strong for one another.

4. Resolve Old Arguments

If you’ve been holding onto a topic of contention for a while, now is the time to let go. If you’re angry with your spouse and haven’t resolved old arguments, that lingering tension will automatically cause a strain between the two of you.

Since you’re stuck together, why not work on healing through those old wounds? By holding onto them, you’re hurting yourself and your relationship.

5. Work on Projects Together

If you have extra time on your hands, why not get some projects done around the house? Maybe you’ve wanted to paint a room for a while but have never had the time. Or maybe you can work on a project together that you hadn’t considered doing before.

Play to each other’s strengths. If your partner is really good at building, ask them if you can create something with them. If you’re a great baker, encourage them to get in the kitchen with you. Spending this time together can help you to learn more about each other and to be the best you, no matter how long you’ve been together.

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these are stressful and uncertain times, but they don’t have to ruin your relationship connection. If you feel like your marriage is strained due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, couples therapy can help. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to set up a time to talk.

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Every image is used for illustrative purposes only. Any person shown is strictly a model.