As you can see, the corona crisis has a major impact on every area of ​​our lives. It is not a surprise to hear that the entire corona situation also has an effect on relationships. Suddenly you see each other (very) often or you suddenly see each other very little. Conclusion: it is not easy at all. The situation we are currently in is a true relationship test. How can you pass this test?

Suddenly you see each other a lot

You live together and you may also work from home. When you first saw each other every morning and in the evening, you now see each other throughout the day. This is quite a change. Having more arguments during quarantine has nothing to do with the quality of your relationship. It has to do with the sudden change in our world. We are creatures of habit and suddenly our habits are no longer habits. Which things can you do to keep your relationship healthy?

• Talk to each other about the unusual situation and all the feelings that come with it. It is normal to change moods more often. It is normal to feel insecure and it is normal not to know exactly how you are feeling.
• Give each other space. Once living together, it is important to give each other some alone time. It’s okay to say, for example; “I’m just blowing off some steam for 10 minutes, this will calm me down a bit. After that I will be ready to talk about it.” 
• It is important to make time for moments together. This may sound a bit strange, but before corona you might go to the cinema or go out for dinner. Almost everything is closed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything. You can do outdoor activities such as going out for walks or skating. Or you could turn your living room into a cinema and order your favorite food.
• When you both are working from home, it is nice to set up different workplaces. Switch from spots during the day and in this way you provide variety for you and your partner. Tip: leave a sweet note on the kitchen table for your partner so that he/she reads this when you change places.

Suddenly you see each other less often

If you do not live together, you may suddenly see each other much less. How to keep the relationship exciting during this period of time?

• The golden rule is to keep talking to each other. Let the other person know how you  feel and what you’re thinking. Call or facetime each other when you’re feeling good and also when you’re feeling not that well. Thanks to facetime all non-verbal communication will also be visible to the other person. When there is only text contact, the messages can be interpreted differently.
• Make specific and clear agreements with each other. How often do you want facetimes and when? If you make this concrete, no misunderstandings can arise.
• Send cute postcards to each other, it is great fun to surprise each other that way.
• Make plans for what you will do after the corona time. Ask your partner to make a list and go through your lists. Fantasize about the fun things you will be doing after this time.
• Be creative: of course, there are a lot of things you can not do right now. Maybe you used to cook together. In this case, try to be creative: buy the same ingredients and cook the same dish through facetime. Eat the same dish ‘together’ and experience the same taste. 

A message for everyone

If you as a couple make it through a situation like this, chances are you can go through anything. So try to be brave and don’t give up. Keep taking good care of yourself and support each other.