Covid almost spells Divorce! (backwards)

By Michael Ruben

STRESS ON MARRIAGE

Endless Lockdown

Living in a virtual reality

Boredom, lethargy, depression and anxiety

Monotonous existence, cooking, binge watching, working

LIMITED RELATIONSHIPS:

Less social interaction with family and friends

Simple social interactions disappear: shopping, post office, coffee

Workplace interactions by Zoom

NO FUN; NO:

Eating out at restaurants

School

Attending sporting events and concerts

Regular gym work outs

Religious service attendance

Vacations and travel

ALL OF WHICH CREATES:

Increased irritability

Sadness or depression

Low energy

Loss of joie de vie

Inertia

Anxiety

SO HOW DO YOU KEEP YOURSELF AND YOUR RELATIONSHIP STRONG IN THE FACE OF THESE HEADWINDS?

Take time for yourself, meditate, listen to music, read, exercise

Do new things…take a walk, but in a new place

Cook some new foods, experiment, spice up your life

Be creative…play or learn an instrument, do an art project

Zoom with people you do not always talk with

Create a new and different environment for intimacy and affection, set aside time for this on a regular basis

Take a news break

Practice gratitude and loving kindness

PRACTICE ACTIVE LOVING

Listen to your partner

Observe your and your partners thoughts and feelings

Validate your love, care and admiration for your partner

Embrace those you love