How do you achieve domestic bliss in the midst of the Coronavirus? Relationships are challenging at the best of times, but now that coupled people spend all our time cooped up in their homes eating copious amounts of carbs, how do we prevent our relationships from imploding? Because of social distancing, you can’t pop out of the house for brunch with friends when you and your spouse are sick of each other.
You Do You, Episode 77: “Domestic Bliss and Coronavirus” with Rachel Kellogg
You can listen to this week’s episode of You Do You on Apple podcasts and SoundCloud.
1. Zoom SeparatelyJust because you’re sequestered together in the same space, that doesn’t mean you’re obligated to do everything together. Harness the power of technology as best you can by zooming or Facetiming separately. Try hanging out in the other room while your partner is enjoying a digital “Drinks Night” with friends, and request they do the same when you’re sipping tea on Skype with a buddy. Retaining your own separate social lives as best you can takes some of the pressure off your relationship. In a relationship, you and your squeeze should never be everything to each other. It helps to take time apart in order tolaugh and joke with friends, or just discuss your anxieties with someone who doesn’t sleep in the same bed. As the old adage goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder, so give each other some space!
2. Self-Care Is Key
It goes without saying that when we feel our best, we’re better partners. Self-isolation is taxing. We’re all fretting over our health, the health of our loved ones, our finances, the future of the planet, etc. Obviously, you need to be there for our partner when they’re facing COVID-related obstacles. But we can’t be supportive significant others if we don’t take care of our own needs. Whether your brand of self-care is facetiming with a therapist or taking relaxing bubble baths, don’t neglect it now. Emotional labour is one of the most taxing forms of work, so refrain from becoming a relationship martyr.
3. Don’t Be Afraid To Get Fancy
It’s easy to get too comfortable with feeling comfy. Wearing stretchy pants and eating bagels on the couch is lovely in moderation, but there are only six seasons of The Americans to binge – and they aren’t making more of them! Eventually, it’s nice to put on clothes with buttons and get
fancy. Enjoying a Date Night when you and your partner both agree to wash your hair and wear non-yoga pant clothes can invigorate your relationship. Sure, you can’t actually leave the house, but It’s sweet (and sexy!) to dress up just for each other sometimes! Munching on frozen pizza while sporting your fanciest frock is a surprisingly fun pastime!
Nadia Elkharadly
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