In these uncertain times, where the future is hazy and nothing like this has ever happened before in human history, we might ask ourselves: could pandemic stress bring us closer together? We certainly hope it will never happen to us again, but for the time being, we must adapt to a new reality that is completely upending our lives and find ways to strengthen our connections.
I won’t sit here and try to find the silver lining in this cloudy situation. The truth is that there isn’t. A lot of people have passed away. Sadly, many people must live apart from their families. There’s a lot of worry and tension in the air.
When all you hear about is bad things happening, staying optimistic is tough. There is, however, a single idea that merits investigation and may provide some welcome relief.
Is it possible that dealing with a global pandemic would strengthen your relationship?
Over the past few days, this topic has occupied much of my mind. Potentially, yes.
Ways That the Pandemic Could Potentially Bring You Closer To Your Partner
There is no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic has been a trying and trying time for many people all over the world, and it is important to recognize the many negative effects that this pandemic has had on people’s lives. However, it is also true that going through a crisis together can bring people closer and create a sense of solidarity and shared experience.
Here are some ways that the pandemic could potentially bring you closer to your partner:
More quality time together: With stay-at-home orders and social distancing measures, many couples have found themselves spending more time together than ever before. This can create opportunities for bonding, sharing experiences, and deepening your connection.
Increased communication: Dealing with a pandemic requires ongoing communication and cooperation between partners as you navigate changing rules and guidelines, health concerns, and other challenges. This can lead to more open and honest communication between partners, strengthening your relationship.
Mutual support: During a crisis, people often turn to each other for emotional support and help. This can create a sense of teamwork and partnership that can strengthen your bond.
Shared experiences: Going through a pandemic is a unique and challenging experience that creates shared memories and a sense of common ground. This can bring you closer together and create a sense of solidarity.
Where Are You at This Point?
Whether you’re together or apart influences how you spend your alone time. Many married couples are physically separated by social norms that forbid them to spend time together. It also means an abundance of messaging and video chatting.
Picture yourself heading over to meet them for the first time once this is all over. How amazing do you think it will feel?
A relationship’s viability is tested during adversity. One could argue that surviving a global pandemic strengthens you because everyone around you is experiencing the same thing. In this light… What else could possibly be too much for you if you can handle this?
Do you have any thoughts? Do you think dating during a global pandemic could actually strengthen your relationship?
After x number of days of being housebound with your significant other, you may be laughing and shaking your head at this point. When there is no outlet and no ability to head out and spend time with friends, it’s easy to get on each other’s nerves.
This is a two-sided kind of deal. One positive is that a global pandemic might help you grow closer together. You might learn to value each other more deeply and reconsider taking each other for granted as a result. However, it could also be the straw that breaks the camel’s back!
If you’re not used to spending a lot of time with someone, regardless of your feelings for them, tensions are bound to rise if you force yourself to do so. When one partner says something they don’t mean, the dynamic of the relationship shifts.
So, how can you make sure that handling this worldwide pandemic brings you closer to your partner and not further away emotionally?
You should still give each other some personal space.
If you’re isolating together, you might not be able to get away from each other physically. You can isolate yourself in other ways. You may leave the house to go to the gym or do some shopping, but you must do so independently. This will give you both a little space and time to miss each other.
If you need some time to yourself, you can always escape to the garden or a different room. Don’t forget to do that! No matter how romantic it may sound, human beings simply are not built to spend their entire lives with their significant other.
Put your attention elsewhere besides the news.
The news has a way of engrossing people. Presently, it appears to be ubiquitous. When you check your feeds on social media, you find only posts about viruses. So, you’ve been keeping up with the headlines. It’s the same. The barrage of negativity can easily find its way into your relationship. It’s important to focus on other things.
Go on dates, but do so at home. Instead of spending more time apart, try having “date nights” over video chat. Keep in touch with those who can help you be the positive influence you want to be.
Talk about your feelings.
Despite the foregoing, it is also essential to express your emotions. There is a lot of worry and uncertainty about this whole situation. Your partner should be the person you confide in, and you should do the same.
You can use each other as a sounding board and support system in this way. Because of the emotional support you provide each other, you may find that dealing with a global pandemic like this strengthens your relationship.
Take advantage of the connection you already have.
You miss your partner if you’ve been isolating yourself from them. However, take full advantage of your opportunities for communication. Bring up positive topics, share fond memories, and plan some exciting activities for when this is over.
It should go without saying that once everything has settled down, you should follow through with your plans and take full advantage of them. In this case, the old saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder” is true. Remember that!
Understand your partner’s moods.
Your partner may be up and down from one day to the next, just as you are. This type of situation is uncharted territory for us all. We can wake up feeling fine one day but full of anxiety the next.
Make sure you do your best to accommodate their moods without questioning or stressing them out further, whether you’re together or apart. Of course, they should do the same for you. When that happens, you can certainly become closer to your partner.
So, what do you think? Do you think dealing with a worldwide pandemic could bring you closer to your partner, or do you think it’s more likely to push you apart? In some ways, it depends upon the couple.
If you’re solid, this could be something that sticks you together like glue. If you’re rocky, it could be the thing to push you further apart. It’s really about your mindset and your relationship’s importance to you. For many, being forced to spend time apart can make them realize just how much they mean to one another.
If you’re isolating with your partner, it’s vital that you give each other time and space alone. And communicate about things other than what’s going on. This situation is stressful enough without everything being deep and negative inside your house too.
Keep things uplifting, distract your minds, and do something creative together or apart. You’ll find you’re better able to deal with the situation and become closer to your partner as a result.
Could dealing with a worldwide pandemic bring you closer to your partner? Don’t worry if you occasionally snapping at each other when isolating. This is completely normal and doesn’t mean everything is going sour!
Of course, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience of the pandemic is different, and not everyone will have the same opportunities for connection and bonding. Additionally, the pandemic has created many stresses and challenges that can also strain relationships. It’s important to be patient, understanding, and supportive of each other, and to seek help if needed to address any issues that arise.
Related articles you might like: 14 Signs That You’re a Good Fit for Marriage, 10 Difficult Conversations You Must Have With Your Partner, 7 Indications That Your Bumpy Relationship Needs Another Chance
