Pandemic Relationship Rescue
Tori Douglas on Aug 18th 2020
During this worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, the general public is sheltering at home rather than spending time at work or doing unessential errands. For many of us, that means we are spending a great deal of time at home with our partners. A study by Indiana University has shown that this can create a stressful situation. Stress can be seen in intimate partner relationships, when self isolation and social distancing puts strain on those involved.
50% of the individuals sampled in this 200 person study have reported aggression such as yelling, insults, or threats from their partner. 14% have reported sexual aggression, such as coercion or assault, and 2% reported physical aggression. In these times of extreme stress throughout our society, it is important to practice both self care and relationship care.
Taking time for self care, even within your relationship, is a great way to keep your own mental health more stable, and make yourself more able to be there emotionally for your partner. Take time to yourself, indulge in solo activities you enjoy, even if that can only be taking a moment to be alone and gather your thoughts. Encourage your partner to take time for self care as well. It takes two to tango, and both you and your partner must make sure you are in a good head and heart space individually before you can be a good couple.
Take time for your relationship. Whether you are alone together or have a house full during quarantine, take time to be a couple. Take a few minutes to check in with each other and be together. Take a little time each day to step outside together. A change of scenery, even if it is just going out into your own yard or walking around the block can be the break from your same four walls, your mental health and your relationship needs. This little respite together can help you both. Take time for a modified version of ‘Date night". Watch a movie, go for that walk, cook dinner for each other. Just because you can not go out like you are used to, doesn't mean you cannot get creative about spending some time together.
Take time for intimacy, but only if you are both on board. Sex and intimacy can be healthy and healing, but only if there is mutual consent. Never force or pressure your partner into intimacy just to make yourself feel better at the cost of their mental health. Communication and consent are always the keywords of a healthy relationship, but even more so during times of extreme stress ,like we are experiencing as a society. Being strong together emotionally should come before physical intimacy.
Taking the time to care for yourself, your partner, and your relationship is important. In these trying times, being able to turn to your partner is an important resource for your mental and emotional health. Take the care to nurture your relationship through the struggles of this global pandemic.