Here is Why Social Distancing Can Help Your Relationship
If you are going to be stuck in the house with your partner, you mind as well make the best of it and try not to drive each other crazy. You will get what you put into this time to make your relationship better while social distancing from the outside world.
1. Hold it in
Being locked in the same house during social distancing with your partner you may start to build up some resentment toward them. Breathe. You will make it through. Plus, if you are married you said for better or worse. Boom. Here is the worse. Normally if things in the house become tense you can walk out and go to the bar or grocery store to clear your head. During this outbreak, all are encouraged to stay home. No matter how hard it may seem. When you start to feel afraid, upset or even overwhelmed, you naturally take out your feelings on the first person you see. Which is probably your partner. Before you blurt out any negative thoughts you may have built inside. Don’t. Take a breath. Then think about how you can make your comment into something positive. For the sake of your partner and the relationship, many things are better left unsaid.
2. Good Conversation
You can sit down with no distractions and have a meaningful conversation. Social distancing may just bring the two of you together. Take this time quality time to focus on the good and bad of the relationship and ways to make it better. Plan before you began to talk, that you will give each other the benefit of the doubt. When speaking about the bad be open and allow each other to be honest. It may be difficult to hear or share the not so good things but this will help each of you become closer to each other.
3. Appreciation
With everything that the Coronavirus is affecting, the reality is that it should bring you and your partner closer. You should be thankful to have each other. Being that this may be one of the only people you are able to come in contact with you should take this time to let them know how much they are appreciated. Many times in relationship couples don’t express their feelings as often because of the lack of time or other obligations that may get in the way. Letting your partner know how you feel about them and them doing the same to you, will definitely bring the two of you together during this social distancing.
4. Closer Friendship
The best part of a relationship is being in one where your partner is also your best friend. This will allow for a long, happy, and healthy relationship. Social distancing can bring your relationship closer, mentally and physically. A strong friendship with your partner can help you both bond through hard conversations and vulnerable confessions. This will make each of you more transparent with is healthy for your relationship.
5. Fall in Love Again
Take this time social distancing to remember why you two fell in love in the first place. talk about how you both met each other and the butterfly feeling you each had.
6. Uplift
You and your partner can provide comfort to each other during this time. To cope you may use humor, spiritual guidance, or just being optimistic about the pandemic. Laughter can make many situations easier and bring you two closer together making your relationship stronger.
Many couples aren’t lucky enough to live with their partner while social distancing. Keep calm. I have some tips for these couples as well.
1. Video Chat
This app will be your best friend and they are available on iPhone or Android. It’s bad enough you can physically be with your partner but being with them virtually is as good as it’s going to get for now. Most video chat apps are free or low in cost. Video chat will allow you to see each other and it’s better than a phone call because you can see each other’s reactions while you converse. There are so many apps available to download like, Skype, WhatsApp, Hangouts, and Facebook Messenger.
2. Virtual Games
Get your phone out again and download 2 or more games. Playing games against each other will be a healthy competition for the two of you. This can allow you to two play the same game together while social distancing. The two of you can “trash talk” while you engage in games. Try playing Piyo Blocks 2, Bliss, Words with Friends, Spell Tower, Couple Game, and Draw Something.
3. Cook or Bake
Call your partner. The both of you can cook the same meals or bake a tasty dessert. Follow the recipe together and enjoy each other’s creative cooking skills. This will be a perfect way to social distance and yet spend quality time together in your kitchens. Call each other and start preparing your meal or dessert together.
4. Netflix
You both will need to have a few hours to chill and have Netflix accounts. Call your partner and then you and your partner will decide on a movie or a show to watch together. Once you have decided the two of you will play the movie or show at the same time and then enjoy it. You will be able to talk during the movie as well as share a few laughs. Netflix is not complete without snacks, blankets, and pillows. So make sure you grab these before you select Play.
5. Memory Lane
Each of you can download Zoom or a similar app. Then you can look through old photos of you both or new ones that you haven’t shared before. This will bring the two of you together. You both can share your most embarrassing childhood photo and share the background story to it. This will give your partner more information about you and will make the connection between you two stronger.
