Lockdown has had an impact on all relationships, especially with loved ones and our partner. We can be spending more time with them than ever before, and so it can be tough to create fresh conversations and to urge a reason to make an effort. I did not expect to be living with my partner, yet a year on he never left my home. We have both had to adapt – and both parties making the effort was all we needed. However, when life gets in the way, sometimes it is not that easy. Here are some habits to help you to maintain a healthy relationship in lockdown, and why it should not become a difficult process.
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Allow For Conversation
To keep your relationship healthy, you need to maintain a constant conversation. It can become so difficult to force a conversation, especially when you know what your partner’s answer is going to be. But to not ask, is allowing predictability and cutting off the conversation. Ask about the silliest things, ask for opinions and keep the conversation going.
Related: 11+ Date Ideas For Indoors (No Netflix Required!)
Keep The Surprises Going
As I just mentioned, the biggest issue with lockdown is that it has caused predictability, it has happened to all couples at some point. And let’s be honest, when you can predict things it gets so boring. Make a gift, or buy something thoughtful. Just a sign that you care and appreciate your partner. Birthdays and Christmas are expected, but some flowers “just because” could become the personal touch that means x10 more. Input these ways of surprise into your monthly routine, and plan ahead.
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Don’t Bicker Over The Little Things
The amount of times my household has a domestic over the food shop is ridiculous. But these are conversations that are perfectly normal when it is the only mutual conversation after a year of living together. When you are debating which lettuce to buy, you know it has gone way too far. Pick your battles – at the end of the day, we are staying at home because people are dying, and so arguing with someone you really do care about is irrelevant in the scheme of things. To maintain a healthy relationship in lockdown – know when a fight is not worth it and wake up every day with no regrets.
Compromise
Every relationship coach says this, and they say it for a reason. Compromise is a normal component of a relationship, as the whole process should become a process of giving and taking. Whether it is a simple discussion of what you eat, or watch on TV, consider the other person’s wants as much as your own. Without this, one party will always be unhappy.
Related: Life after Lockdown: 6 Crucial Methods To Prioritise Safety While Travelling
Make Time For One Another
Even with everyone at home, spending time together does not mean quality time. The time that is allocated and is meant to do whatever you want needs to be factored in. Just because you see each other every day, doing the chores and worrying about bills does not put your relationship at the forefront, only worsens your mental health. Switch off all external forms of contact and enjoy 1-1 time, no work, without any distractions. Let you fall in love with your partner all over again.
Make The Effort
I don’t know about you, but it is so difficult to force myself to get out of my pj’s in the morning. Although this is a habit that has little detriment, it can make it difficult to create a romantic spark. Surprise your loved one and dress up a little. It makes a change on the “lockdown outfit“, and makes your partner mutter the under the breath “ooh”.
Indoor Dates
Just because you cannot go out, does not mean that you cannot make the most of being indoors. Make the most of being in the comfort of your own home, reduce stress levels, and reinvent it. From building a fort, having a romantic dinner or utilising your arts and crafts skills to try something different. Do whatever you can to mix things up and engage in something fun with your partner. Make the time and have some fun!
Create Your Own Space
Maintaining a healthy relationship in lockdown also means you need to allow time for yourself. It sounds silly, but you can only love as much as you love yourself. Give yourself some self-care time, and do not live in the pocket of your loved one so often. Too much time together can also have adverse effects. Know when you need time apart, and do whatever you can to make that happen.
Ask How Are You? And Mean It.
It sounds simple, but we have all done it. Sometimes we ask how others are and wish someone said they’re fine. Yet it can get so complicated when feelings are bottled, and damage healthy relationships. Ask how your partner is, and ask for details. Ask who wound them up and how it felt. Knowing you are listening is a sign of caring. Most importantly, make sure they do the same. If you are living with your partner, they have a right to know how you are feeling. It is unfair to offer unrealistic emotions or create a positive facade. When things are going wrong, your partner should be the first to know, that is how to maintain a healthy relationship in lockdown.
Related: How To Stop Boredom Eating: 6 Tools To Stop Overeating After Lockdown
Find a New Hobby
Lockdown has got us all trying to do different things. Find something that just belongs to the two of you. Start a project, a course, or perfect a skill. Do whatever you fancy, but ensure it is a mutual decision and you both put both of your efforts in. Don’t be afraid to be silly, and let your hair down!
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Maintaining a healthy relationship in lockdown should be something that you prioritise and focus on because lockdown is temporary but a relationship is more permanent. Do whatever you need to do to make a solution that works by implementing these simple habits!
