The Coronavirus or COVID-19 has tested many relationships this year. Without much notice, the country shut down with orders to stay at home. Restaurants and schools closed. Transportation and travel stopped. Nearly everything and every place with the exception of grocery stores, food manufacturing, and gas stations shut down. Every public place we unknowingly sought refuge from loved ones were closed. Almost immediately, who you lived with became your seclusion and quarantine partners…for better or for worse. Being in public as we knew it has changed. Now, we have quarantine bubbles – our quarantine partners and family members. However, being in seclusion with someone all day every day is challenging. Smaller ant-hill problems easily fester to Mt. Everest problems.
The extended stay-at-home orders have changed many people and their relationships. The lock-downs and the continued real threat of possible illness and death have affected the mental health of many citizens. People have reported experiencing, and seeing in others, higher levels of stress, depression, shorter tempers, arguments, and substance abuse. In addition to the complications of the stay at home orders, numerous are experiencing financial hardships which further complicate relationships. There are reports of increased domestic abuse calls, divorce applications, homicides, and shootings. During the shut downs, relationships were tested and strained. People have discovered that spending 24 hours a day with a partner or family members is difficult.
Couples and family members had to learn how to communicate effectively to prevent conflict. Giving each other distance when possible can ease tensions. In smaller living areas, wearing headphones or being in a different room or corner can give the other person space and distance. Also, a room divider or a clothes line and blanket can create a physical border for privacy. Some level of privacy and solitude can help relationships survive and reduce arguments. It helps to extend patience and mindfulness to the other person. Communicate what triggers frustrations and anxiety. For parents with children, implement a short quiet time which can allow everyone the opportunity to mentally reset. Create a structured day of schedule and routine for children. Solo household duties can instead be team tasks. Take walks and visit local parks to let off steam and energy.
COVID-19 has changed nearly every area of life. Being in public as we knew it pre-COVID may be forever changed. Parents have had to take a more active role in parenting due to virtual schooling and lack of childcare. The way we work, shop, eat out, travel, and celebrate has changed. Maintaining 6-feet of separation is now a socially acceptable requirement. As a result, avoiding shaking hands and touching strangers and people not within our bubble is a change we now strive to maintain. COVID-19 has impacted many lives and relationships. Impacts are felt in the areas of physical and mental health, finance, relationships, socially, and how we communicate. The upcoming Coronavirus vaccine, like the flu vaccine, is not a cure. Therefore, we need to remain vigilant in maintaining our health and relationships with loved ones and family members.