COVID-19 lockdown has presented plenty of challenges, including some specific issues facing people in relationships. Whether you’re living together, recently moved in, or currently feeling the effects of the lockdown separation, it’s possible to keep your relationship running smoothly – all it takes is some creative thinking.
Being separated from your partner is tough, but with these tips, you can make it through this uncharted territory and out the other side with your bond intact.
Use technology
As real as Zoom fatigue is, we can’t deny that technology has given us an amazing gift by allowing us to keep participating in so many parts of normal life without leaving home – and it can even help you keep your relationship strong and healthy.
When you can’t see your partner in the flesh, just seeing their face on a Zoom call can make all the difference. While you’re on a call with them, make a point of staying completely focused so that you get the full benefit of their company. Until you can have a face-to-face conversation with them again, these calls will allow you to feel close together, and with this dedicated time slot, you might even learn a few new things about each other.
Make records
Anyone in a long-term live-in or dating situation has likely had times when one or both of you has run out of things to say to the other. When the other person is always around, it’s easy to do, but while you’re living separately, the in-between time will give you a host of new things to talk about.
While you’re apart, you might like to write letters to each other or keep diaries that you can share. You’ll find that doing this regularly allows you to remember the smaller details of each day (even if that day is spent in the confines of your apartment) and helps you find new things to talk about with your partner.
Create a routine
Most people need some sort of routine in their lives to feel normal and be productive, and the same is true of relationships. This has only become more apparent since COVID threw the world into disarray. The silver lining is that now is the perfect time to create new routines with your significant other.
The next time you’re on a Zoom call together, brainstorm a few new ways to spend time together remotely. Watch a new TV show, cook a recipe at the same time, or play a card game – the only limit is your imagination.
Keep it sexy
Sex and physical touch are such important elements of romantic relationships, so it’s no wonder lockdowns are so hard for couples. Just because you can’t see each other face-to-fact, though, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of remote sexy time.
A remote sex toy is a great buy for any couple living apart, and a fantastic opportunity to put some of the *buzz* back into your everyday life.
Make plans for the future
Even if you can’t be together in the way you want to right now, situations like this can help you realise what it is that you really want out of a relationship and a partner.
Use this opportunity to discuss what you want your life together to look like, and how you’re going to make it happen. This is more than just a fun idea for a conversation – couples with a plan for the future tend to feel closer and more united in their feelings for each other.
Staying together through COVID-19 lockdown may be challenging for some couples, but in every challenge, there are also opportunities to make the best of what you have. If you need help with this, it may be worthwhile investing in couples counselling. If you’re interested in learning more or booking a counselling session, let’s talk before it breaks.
