Couples Staying Together During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is not only a life-changing situation for children, but it is also creating stressors for couples.  Relationships are struggling to hold the bond together while dealing with the many pressures accumulated by the pandemic.  Some of the pressures are financial hardships created by the lack of work during the pandemic, spending too much time together while sheltering in place, and school-age children home with remote learning.  These are just a few situations couples are faced with that have caused them to separate and, in some cases, even divorce. 

A survey taken of 300 couples by the demographic tool Lucid, found that 41 percent of them think that COVID-19 is likely to increase arguments, and 35 percent think it is likely to increase divorce rates.  Another indication of the impact the pandemic is having on couples is that the website called Legal Templates, which provides legal documents for sale and free, showed a 57 percent increase in interest for separation documents from February to April of 2020.  Other data is showing that couples in southern states and couples married less than five years with children under 18, are seeking divorce documents more than usual.

There are many ways in which couples can manage their relationship and prevent separations that could end in divorce.   Here are a few of them.

• Couples should identify and acknowledge that there is a problem before things get out of hand.
• Maintain healthy space from each other and take time for a personal connection with oneself.
• Be sensitive and understanding that your mate is going through the same thing that you are experiencing.
• Try to set up an intentional time together to be playful, listen to music, go for long walks, and planning special menus for dinner together.
• After a disagreement, forgive quickly so as not to hold onto anger and revengeful behavior.
• Talk to other couples for suggestions as to how they are coping.
• Seek virtual therapy if necessary.

Putting these suggestions into practice and any others that are available can help couples to survive and still be together after the pandemic is over.

https://www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2020/pandemic-marriage-problems.html

https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/strengthen-couples-relationships