When you got married, you promised to stick with your partner through thick and thin. You probably didn’t expect “for worse” to include the kind of global issues we’re dealing with today. The challenges of facing COVID-19, social isolation, and possibly even unemployment can put a lot of stress on your marriage.
So, how has COVID-19 and social isolation impacted your marriage, and what can you do to keep it strong? Let’s dive in!
When you decided to get married, you were excited about spending more time with your partner. However, social isolation takes that idea to a completely new level. Many couples worldwide are now spending 24 hours a day exclusively with the people in their households.
Initially, this may have felt like an extended vacation with your loved ones. But eventually, even the closest relationships can start to feel strained. Social isolation seems to amplify those little quirks you used to overlook. This is totally normal! How you handle these quirks can make a big difference.
If one or both of you are still working, you might get some alone time. However, this can also lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, as the working partner may feel burdened with all the responsibilities.
If you have kids at home tackling schoolwork, that’s another significant challenge to manage. Financial struggles always bring stress into a marriage, and the uncertainties brought on by COVID-19 make financial security feel shaky for everyone.
Remember, there was something special about your partner that made you agree to marry them. Despite the challenges you’re facing, there are ways you and your partner can emerge stronger from all of this.
One crucial technique to stay connected is communication. While communication has always been vital in any relationship, it’s even more critical now. Make sure you both openly express your feelings. This helps you tackle obstacles together as a united front.
Another way to bolster your marriage during social isolation is by spending time with others virtually. Video chats and virtual hangouts can make a huge difference. They provide a buffer that helps everyone act their best and give you something positive to focus on together. Building shared experiences is more important than ever.
Even though COVID-19 and social isolation have strained relationships, with effort, you and your partner can emerge stronger than ever.