It’s up to all of us to decide what the new ‘normal’ is
Here’s a plea I received from one of you: “I understand your wanting to answer questions about COVID -19. But please don’t go all virus all the time. I need normal, too.” So do we all! Thanks for giving me an opportunity to bring this question to the realm of relationships.
Q What is normal?
A My answer, from reading many thousands of readers’ relationship and life stories over the years, would be this:
Many people feel that the way things usually are, if accepted without too much difficulty, is “normal.”
Many also feel that there’s room within normal to get even better.
So, “normal” is what we’re used to, but can be improved.
Well, we’re now a long way from that now. No, we are living instead with new and changing rules, new and complicated boundaries, new and serious fears. The best we can do is ground ourselves as much as possible in what’s necessary normal for each of us.
If we have families, we must care for and about them. The “normal” way is to reach out
— by phone, text, email and social media platforms such as FaceTime or Zoom. So, the new normal for some people means learning new technology to keep up your with contacts. It’s necessary to stay connected with close friends.
Share tips about where to get stuff delivered, where there’s a supply of something you need (is it “normal” that toilet paper is the new “gold”?) Share recipes that don’t require rare herbs, spices or other ingredients that you don’t own.
Share frustrations. You’re entitled to a good whine, if the listener’s allowed the same.
But what’s normal now in intimate relationships?
It’s whatever you feel you can share with your partner without blame, and can either let go after a discussion or put on the back burner to deal with when the crisis atmosphere is no longer as intense.
Here’s what else is normal and can be shared: Laughter from shared humour, even the dark variety if that’s what tickles you. Music that prompts you to sing along, move your body or makes your heart soar. Reading, beyond the virus news (stay informed on the basics and new information, but limit exposure to repeats). Even re-read books that take your mind to other times, places, peoples and circumstances. Love, of family, friends, pets (only share pet contact with people mindful of virus no-no’s). Sex, with a full-time healthy partner.
Intimacy … it’s so much more than just sex. Intimate talks in a quiet, private place together with your closest person is where and when you can open up about fears, even irrational ones, and have a cry if needed.
Relationships, especially long ones, are supposed to have a “safety net” — invisible, but one you know is there — for your tough moments.
So if two of you are stuck together in social-distanced living in a small apartment or a space you normally had to yourself, this is the time that safety net needs to be apparent to you. Rely on it, and carry on.
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