Relationship tips during COVID-19, written by a couples therapist in Long Beach

Relationship Tips during COVID

Be more compassionate towards each other during COVID.  You would expect that since you have nowhere to go and a lot more time on your hands, that you would have the house spotless.  Then you see your partner not attending to the dishes, sleeping later/longer, not showering as much, not helping with the kids as much, and so on.

Everyone’s mental health is being tested at an unprecedented rate.  I talk to my colleagues who are licensed therapist who are TRAINED in the best mental health practices. Even they are struggling during this time.   It is important to recognize that this time is extremely taxing on all of us and in turn, it is important to focus on your partners positives and remind yourself why you are with them.

The next step is to spend positive time together.  During COVID it is hard because all the ways you would connect outside of the house were taken away from you.  What do you like doing inside the house?  Watching a comedy together? Playing cards together?  If it is safe, perhaps taking a walk together.  Get out a board game, order a new board game, or look for ideas of things you can do for fun online.   Google can give you lots of great ideas on how to connect during COVID.

The main point that I want you to take away from this is to be more compassionate towards your partner and give them more leeway than you would normally.   This doesn’t mean accepting abuse in any way, it just means that if they aren’t doing “their fair share”, to give them (and give yourself) a little break from expectations.

As you read this, please note that it is also important to be compassionate and patient with YOURSELF.  Make sure you are doing things YOU enjoy.  Reading a book, gardening, playing a mindless game on your phone, talk to a friend through video chat, etc.

If you are still having a hard time, consider giving us a call to set up an online therapy appointment to address some of your concerns and struggles during this pandemic.