This time when we are spending so much more time at home it is important to make time for our significant others. This may seem like a funny thing to say considering we are spending all day, every day with our families. But it is in fact more necessary now than ever to specifically spend quality time with our spouse.
In the time P.C. (pre-coronavirus), when we got frustrated with our spouse or had disagreements, we had somewhere to go to cool off or focus on something else. We could go to work or go shopping or meet up with friends.
Now, there are not really many places we can go to get away.
On the one hand, getting away could allow us to think things over, take space to calm down. On the other, it could also allow us to ignore real problems that existed in our relationships.
I don’t know about you, but it seems like a lot of marriages have been breaking up recently. I believe a lot of it has to do with the close quarters we have been living in.
Our marriages should be our most important relationships and they definitely take work. Now that we are so close together all the time, those annoying habits are amplified and the bigger problems are inescapable.
Below are things we can do to improve our relationship with our spouses especially during these crazy time.
Talk to Each Other
When we’re spending all day with one another and the kids, it can be so easy to veg out on the couch every night watching TV. Our Netflix watch list is never-ending and we’re still spending time together right?
Instead take some time to date each other, even if its at home. You can put the kids to bed and then spend time on the patio with a glass of wine just enjoying each other’s company. Or do a jigsaw puzzle together.
Talk about the day, talk about your fears and anxieties, get on the same page about your relationship. Kindly discuss the things that are irritating you so you can work together on making it better.
It’s so important to be on the same page with our significant others, to know whats going on in their lives. These are the people we hope to spend forever with even after the kids grow up and move out, so it’s important to give focus to this relationship.
Talk to a Therapist
Sometimes the issues we are having require the assistance of a therapist. These individuals can help us dissect our feelings, find the cause of our actions, and help us understand how we can improve all our relationships and our lives.
While we may be stuck at home, there are many services that allow you to get therapy without visiting the office. You can have a virtual session right on your phone. Of course, you may not want your family members to hear what you have to say, so you may want to escape to your car and just take a drive around the neighborhood as you talk.
Two excellent sources of online therapy are Talkspace and Better Help. In fact now a days many insurance companies are covering these types of therapy sessions due to all the mental health issues with staying at home. Check if your insurer covers these services.
Take a Break From Each Other
While talking to each other is super important for any relationship, so is taking a break from each other. We need time for our own thought and to decompress from the stresses of the day. So give each other a chance for some a lone time.
This can mean taking turns watching the kids while the other person goes for a walk or exercises or just takes a nice long shower.
When we let the stresses of the day build up without release, we tend to take things out on the ones we love the most. By giving each other a break, we help to ensure that our interactions with the ones we love are more positive.
Do you have any other tips for improving your relationship while spending so much more time at home? Share your ideas int he comments.
Cheers,
Emily
