How To Strengthen Your Relationship During The COVID-19 Quarantine

With “social distancing” being a thing now, many of us are left cramped in our houses with our significant other, eating cans of Spaghetti-o’s, and snuggling with our dogs (at least that’s I’m doing) in an effort to flatten the curve of the COVID-19.

While social distancing can make us feel even more alone, it is vital to maintain relationships with others at this time and grow closer than ever. 

I’ll admit I wasn’t too stoked initially at the thought of being cooped up for an unknown period of time in a 750 square foot house with my husband, but as our quarantine has progressed, I realize how awesome an opportunity it is. 
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Seriously, how often do we get a chance to spend uninterrupted time with the ones we love? In a world that is constantly running at 11, maybe this is the chance to slow down that we didn’t know we needed. 

Here are five things to do with your partner to strengthen your relationship during your COVID-19 quarantine. 

1. Spend one hour, no electronics. When was the last time you were able to spend one hour together without being distracted. While many of you may have kiddos at home that will inevitably go stir crazy, try to sneak away for an hour just you and your partner. Take this opportunity to get to know one another better, put a puzzle together, go on a walk, bake cookies, etc. Take advantage of the slowed speed of life right now. 
   
   
2. Express Appreciation and Admiration. Now’s the time to brush up on expressing yourself to your partner. During this stressful time, your partner needs to hear kind words from you now more than ever. Take this time to catch your partner being their awesome self. Find characteristics about your partner that you admire and don’t keep it in, share it with them. 
   
   
3. Comfort one another. Life’s crazy right now and for many of us feels as if it’s out of our control. When we are feeling out of control, this creates a variety of responses such as anxiety, sadness, anger, isolation, and confusion. Instead of thinking your partner is overreacting, find ways in which to comfort your partner. Be sure to ask them for what they are needing from you to help them feel more safe. 
   
   
4. Give each other space. Alone time is at a premium these days with families snuggled under one roof together. In any relationship, it is also vital that we have our own space. Dedicate parts of the house that can be used as a retreat away from the world. Sit down with your partner, before there’s a blow-up, and discuss your boundaries and needs related to personal time. Don’t just assume your partner will understand when you lock yourself in the bedroom. Talk about it. 
   
   
5. Plan a vacation. Lord knows you need it. Sure, it’s not the time to be flying over the world, but planning a vacation can be a great way for you and your partner to discuss your dreams and goals together while being playful. Often times thinking about the future can help give hope and a light at the end of the tunnel in dark time. Think about potential vacations in the future that the two of you MUST go on whenever the world re-opens.
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6. *BONUS* Start Couples Therapy Online. As the rest of the world shuts down, therapists are transitioning to meeting with clients online. Couples therapy can help improve communication, restore connection, heal past wounds, and nourish goals and dreams together. Never had time to go to therapy? Now is the perfect opportunity to bring the therapist to you. Why sit on my couch when you can sit on your own? 

Brittany Malak, MA, LMFT

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