Keeping Relationships Strong During Covid-19
- Couples struggling in their relationship may be facing new challenges while social distancing. You are not the only one.
- Validating your partners feelings is hugely important
- Find ways to connect. Playing together can help relationships grow stronger
“In the time of coronavirus the expectations of our relationships are being tested,” Dr. Strongin says to SurvivorNet. “Confined to the same space and time, I’m finding that relationships that are strong are rising to the challenge and coping together, [but] couples with inherent cracks are having a harder time creating a routine together, overcoming differences, and finding ways to soothe one another.”
Read MoreValidation
During this uncertain time, many people are experiencing a myriad of emotions, but they can be different. If a partner is sharing their feelings, it’s important to let them know that you’re hearing them and empathizing with them through it. “Individuals are experiencing a variety of feelings throughout this time and it’s important that their partner hears those and validates that experience,” Dr. Strongin says.Adapt To Coping Skills
Sharing a small space every minute of the day may cause people stress, and everyone handles it differently. Even if you and your partner’s coping mechanisms are different, Dr. Strongin suggests acknowledging how your partner copes and adapting so you will feel more connected.
“A common coping strategy within quarantine is a routine. Couples can create this routine together, negotiate it, and then follow it. This is extremely joining,” Dr. Strongin explains.
Communication
As feelings are becoming heightened during Covid-19, Dr. Strongin cannot stress enough the importance of open communication between partners. By being transparent about feelings, needs, and complaints, a significant other will be able to digest that information calmly as opposed to reading complaints as criticism.
Play
Finally, make sure to do activities together. Staying at home can often becoming boring, so Dr. Strongin suggests that couples keep busy to avoid feeling isolated.
“Engaging in play creates feelings that are exactly the opposite of anxiety and depression,” Dr. Strongin Says. “Couples are also engaging in healthy competition which is creating fun and playful emotions. Its simple engage in the child in you and connect!”
How To Self-Soothe During Covid-19
These tips are helpful in making sure partners feel safe and secure during Covid-19. However, in a separate interview with SurvivorNet, Dr. Strongin also shared that while couples are cuddling on the couch, tuning into the news may not be the best way to learn about the outbreak.
“In mix of Covid-19 we are all facing the same questions,” Dr. Strongin says. “Some are facing them much more than others and some are better at answering those questions than others. What's really important is to pay attention to is what those questions are, what the frequency of those questions are, and how you're answering them.”
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.