IS THE PANDEMIC TESTING YOUR LOVE LIFE, RELATIONSHIPS?
Maintaining relationships seems to be a tough task amid lockdown and the ongoing crisis
The pandemic has changed the way we love, date and maintain relationships. Many youngsters say the lockdown has created hurdles for their dating life. For instance, 23-year-old Sambhaab Deb Barman blames the restrictions for the upset days in his relationship as they are unable to go out and spend quality time together. “Spicing up a date takes up a lot of energy,” he shares.
The lockdown has tested couples on many levels. Love can endure anything they say, but did a pandemic changed people’s mind? Shaira Chaudhry, wellness facilitator, says, “If a couple happened to be facing challenges in their relationship before the pandemic, then it is a definite possibility that the pandemic might have blown those challenges out of proportion. Generally, people tend to escape rather than address the problems, and viable escaping options are under a lockdown these days.”
Delhi-based relationship counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhoo opines, “Not able to spend quality time together or even spending too much time together is hampering relationships. The adage ‘Excess of anything is not good’ fits here.”
The sudden change in lifestyle is resulting in emotional distress for almost every individual, and this stress trickles into relationships. “Either partner is unable to spend time with friends or colleagues, or spend some time alone. Couples are constantly juggling between jobs, household work and managing kids at home, which has increased the mental pressure. This has ignited a friction among several couples,” adds Sadhoo, adding that financial troubles also contributed to disagreements among couples, eventually leading to a separation.
Here’s how you can help relationship survive this pandemic.
● Use small gestures of love.
Send them lovely texts, help in household chores and make time for conversations.
● Check in with your partner daily, even if they look fine.
● Giving each other much needed space is important, as far as maintaining the relationship is concerned.
● Looking back at happy memories can reduce stress.
● Deal with conflicts politely. Speak and listen without getting defensive.
The pandemic has blown relationship challenges out of proportions.
SHAIRA CHAUDHRY, Wellness facilitator