The pandemic is coming to a head again in Europe and is once again a challenge for many couples. But maybe this time we can benefit from experiences from the first lockdown? Here women share what has done their relationship good so far during the corona crisis.
Most couples probably noticed it by the first lockdown: squatting down on each other all day can be quite stressful for a relationship. In fact, according to statistics, the divorce rate in Germany has quintupled in the wake of the corona crisis (you can find out more in our article about corona trends in partnerships). Now schools and day-care centers remain open in the second round and shops such as bookstores and boutiques are still there for us, but great meetings with friends or kicking your head in the gym is not an option for the time being. And to top it all, this time the weather doesn't necessarily lure you to go jogging or to go for a marathon outside.
After all, we already have some experience and there are enough couples who survived the first lockdown together. In the US portal "Purewow" women have shared exactly such couples what has so far helped them the most.
Women share their best relationship tips for lockdown
1. Alternately hold your head up
"Imagine there is a yin and yang of positivity in your relationship. When one person is bad – let's be honest, there are many reasons to be bad – the other's job is to do something positive and put you in a good mood. You can't both be down at the same time. " (Jillian)
2. Single tasking
"When my husband communicates with me, I try to give him my undivided attention and do nothing on the side. That means a lot to him and creates an atmosphere between us as if we were on a nice date." (Bracha)
3. Grant each other "me-time"
"My husband goes to work every day while I work from home. When he comes home in the evening, he doesn't have time to shut down. That's why I always try to take a walk as soon as he comes home. If that doesn't work, I try the rule that we don't talk for at least the first half hour when he's there. It's about respecting the other and giving them space. " (Suzanne)
4. Date Nights
"On the weekends, date nights are always on our program. It can be something simple like ordering sushi or watching a movie, but we really celebrate that. Arrange everything nicely, drink the good wine we got when we got engaged, Listening to music from the 90s and early 2000s – that makes a difference. I'll just say: After a few bottles of wine, at home we usually have a dance party. " (Diana)
5. Let go of small annoyances
"Easier said than done, but if you want to keep your marriage in harmony with a household that is virtually impossible to leave, you will quickly find that all the things you thought were important enough to argue about it (e.g., that he always leaves his socks on the floor) really doesn't matter. " (Kalyn)
6. Be friendly with one another
"One thing that really helped me through this time is to see my partner as a friend. He's one anyway, but we bit each other under pressure. So I try with all my might (or take deep breaths ) when he's having a bad day, or doing or not doing something, and suppressing my urge to criticize or correct him; instead, I try to empathize with him, listen to him, and approach the situation with the same consideration that I am at a friend. That helps and, to be honest, it makes us deal with conflicts even faster that way. " (Alyssa)