Recent news has reported that there has been a surge in cases of domestic violence and divorce amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Couples found themselves unable to tolerate each other for an extended period of time. In times of heightened stress, unresolved issues within the relationship may resurface or even amplified.
Here are some strategies to help your relationship:
- Give each other space and alone time
We may not be allowed to go out leisurely and are confined in our home 24/7; there are still ways to give one another a space both physically and emotionally. Make separate personal spaces to occupy and use this time to connect with friends and families. Taking alone time is very important for your own health and the relationship.
- Find a hobby
If you wanted to learn a new skill or try a new recipe, now is the best time. It is incredibly tempting to watch Netflix throughout this period but exploring something new can be equally fun and productive. How about learn gardening together? Complete a 2000 pieces jigsaw puzzle together? Trying new activities together can bring excitement into the relationship.
- Exercise
Yes, we can still go out and exercise (just don’t invite your friends or neighbours to go along with you). Get your daily supply of endorphins by going for a walk, run, or jog. Before you head to a park, be sure that you’ll be able to keep a safe distance with others by checking the crowd levels here. If you’re not a fan of any of that, there’s a ton of online content that you can follow to help you workout at home.
- Work on getting rid of a negative trait
Every couple has something they find annoying that their partner does. Whether it be nagging or as simple as not putting the toilet seat down. Just ONE negative trait for 3 weeks, may not be that hard. You can do it! Keeping a relationship is work, and for it to flourish, we continuously have to put effort in it.
- Focus on self-growth
You might be thinking, “I thought this is about keeping the relationship?” It is, most of the time, our external problems stem from issues within ourselves. Working on ourselves promotes self-love and boosts our self-confidence. Go ahead and master a new language or that skill that you always wanted to acquire — cooking, painting, designing a website, SEO, marketing, the options are endless. And there’s a lot of free content online to learn these subjects. We radiate positivity when we feel good about ourselves.
- Experiment in the bedroom (or in the kitchen, anywhere in your house)
It may be difficult to be in the mood for sex during this period, but this is your chance for you and your partner to bond intimately and spice up things in the bedroom. Cuddling, giving each other a massage, holding hands or anything comforting and soothing can work wonders as well.
And lastly, if you and your partner are not able to work things on your own, consider consulting an expert.
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The next few days or weeks may not be easy, but we will get through this. Join us in our movement to #CelebrateRelationships and win a $50 NTUC Voucher. Follow our FB page to learn about the mechanics.
