With daily lives and routine being turned upside down by the covid-19 pandemic, it would not be unreasonable if your relationship has receded into the background or feels fragmented lately. It is, after all, a stressful situation, and when the stress inhabits our body and mind, our relationships are the first things to suffer. Our checklist of household and professional chores has taken up most of our time while pushing our partners to the back of our priorities.
Even when you live in the same space together, your worn nerves make you snap at the smallest things, and you end up saying things that you regret later on. These unwanted conflicts lead to piling on additional tension that makes you more and more stressed, ultimately making it a vicious cycle of stress and conflict. Then what is the solution? Cultivation fondness and mutual admiration for each other are the two most basic elements for a rewarding and long-lasting relationship.
Mind Your Manners: Being polite and taking care of small things like saying good morning, sorry, please, etc., can go a long way in fostering positive feelings from both partners. Be polite and kind towards one another, even when you feel overwhelmed and frustrated.
Appreciate Each Other: Discuss appreciative traits of each other. Take out time to appreciate and encourage your partner and recall stories where your partner has achieved something. Try and do this every day.
Leave Positive and Caring Notes: Use sticky notes and jot down some caring and positive thoughts and leave them on their coffee mugs, steering wheels of their cars. Show some loving gesture that will comfort your partner, particularly in times of stress and tension.
Engage in Activities That Your Partners Love: Try and make time for the activities that your partner loves. Do it with them; it will help them gain confidence knowing that you are by their side. Engage positively and not just for the sake of it.
