Love in Lockdown

I remember a well-known speaker advising his audience to carve out time for their families today, because "a slower day never comes." But for most of us, one has just come again. And since we've got many more weeks or months of slower days ahead of us, how can we take this opportunity to protect and improve our relationship with our spouse or partner? Or if one or both of you is a key worker, how can you support and encourage each other?

For all of us, this is likely to be a time of adjustment as we get used to our new normal again. We'll need grace, patience and humour to help get us through.

For those in difficult* relationships, it’ll be even more of a challenge but maybe this is an opportunity to face some of your issues together and get some virtual help, if needed. Here are a few thoughts on how you can navigate this season together:

1. 1) Take time to connect.
   The stronger the connection between you both, the easier it'll be to weather the tough times together. What helps you both to feel connected? Be intentional about spending some time talking at a deeper level. Get curious about your partner and ask questions to discover things about them you don't know. Talk together about your hopes, dreams and fears.


2. 2) Voice your expectations.
   What are you hoping for from this time? How will you spend your days? What will help you through? Do you want structure or do you prefer to go with the flow? Take some time to talk about what you both need and how you see things working. Try to make agreements together. For example, extroverts might need more time connecting with friends online whilst introverts may need time to shut themselves away.
   
   For key workers or those working from home, what support do they need to do what they need to do?


3. 3) Get real.
   This is a good time to really talk about what matters. Why not talk about life, death, faith (if you have one), priorities and your hopes for the future? Or if, you can only face one day at a time, share that with each other and express what you need to get through the next 24 hours.
   
   If you tend to nag or criticise when you are stressed or hurt, try hard instead to soften your approach and access the more vulnerable feelings underneath. If you're a withdrawer who sulks or clams up, try to stay engaged and share some of your more hidden emotions.


4. 4) Keep short accounts.
   There are going to be times when you hurt, annoy or upset each other. Talk about these things quickly. Try not to let issues fester and be quick to say sorry and to forgive.


5. 5) Build new rhythms.
   Now is a good time to review any rhythms and routines you have in your life and introduce some new ones. Can you create a date night? If you're with children, when will you have family time together? Review who does which chores. If you have a faith, do you want to set aside time to pray together?


6. 6) Be kind.
   Try to think the best of each other. This is a difficult time for everyone. Try asking yourself every day, how can I encourage, support and love my partner today?


7. 7) Get creative.
   This is a time when we can try new things. Find new activities you can do together. Have fun. Make plans for the future. Maybe get your house in order? Invent new traditions. Make memories as a couple and as a family. None of us asked for this, but wouldn't it be great if, once this is over, our connection with our partner is stronger and better than before?

*For those with an abusive partner, please get help and find a safe place to go. Being in a confined space together under stress is only likely to make the situation worse. Contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 and see the other organisations on our Further help page.