Relationships Under
Quarantine Staying Strong While Staying Together
With COVID-19 quarantine, the economy and the stress of life right now, relationships can struggle under the strain. Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist Erin Wiley, MA, LPC, LPCC shares tips and insights on keeping relationships strong and healthy during these times. “Like never before, couples are finding they have more time together. Working from home, a lack of late-night meetings, a reduction in travel—all of these combined have meant more time to connect with our significant others,” Wiley explains. “People who are intentional to use this time wisely are shutting off their television at night and working to create greater intimacy with their partner. Meaningful conversation, working together on projects around the house, making meals together, playing games, and having
MOTIVATING
intimate romantic connections are all ways to use this time to benefit your relationship.” Rather than simply survive this crisis, couples can use this as an opportunity to grow a deeper connection with each other, Wiley believes. Here are five tips to strengthen relationships with significant others:
1
Processing feelings Couples should spend time talking about their feelings during this difficult time. Just as important, if not more so, is validating each other’s experiences and feelings. People tend to want to rescue others from difficult feelings, but sometimes people just need space to process their emotions before they can fully move through them to the other side.
2
Conversation
Couples should try and find time to have meaningful conversation, even if it is just 10 minutes a day; talking about more than the everyday tasks that must be accomplished. Ask each other questions about your childhood, your current goals, and future hopes and dreams. Many couples find even after decades together that there are still things to discover that will deepen your knowledge of each other.
3
Exercise Exercise, whether together or alone, is extremely helpful for increasing positive brain chemistry and working out stress. Taking the time to go on a walk outside the house when possible gives couples a change of scenery that is likely much needed. Even if pushing a stroller or bringing the dogs along,
SPRING 2020: LVWOMANMAGAZINE.COM
