For many us being locked up with our partner and working
from home together is a novel situation may trigger up a variety of emotions.
It is a comfy break for some couples as they have a chance to spend more
quality couple time which was interrupted by daily tasks, responsibilities,
long office hours, parenting etc.
Now that we are spending all the time with our partner,
how do we set apart various aspects like our office work, relationship and
me-time?
Follow these Rituals to Survive Transitions
Rituals bring a sense of security, stability and familiarity
specifically for those who are creatures of habits and feel overwhelmed in uncertainty
and chaos. For couples, these rituals can help them form a structure to their
daily routines as couples and as working professionals during this lockdown.
·
Wake up at the same routine
·
Transition to work- have separate workstations, check-in with each
other when you have breaks, have a meal
together
·
Have me-time as prioritizing alone time helps to
fill and recharge ourselves so that we can give our best to our work and family.
·
Have date nights at home or through a video
call.
·
Have your meals without screens.
·
State of the Union meeting (A term coined by
relationship expert Dr Gottman) once a week meeting to discuss frustration, stressors,
challenges with a partner.
·
Fun couple activities like playing the card game, a
board game, watching a movie or series together
·
Stick to sleep routine.
The couples who relied on the emotional distance and
space they are used to can have more tough times. A lot of couples could be
escaping from taking a look at the cracks in their relationship. While in lockdown, in China, the number of domestic violence cases reported to the local
police increased significantly in February, as being forced to stay together in
limited spaces might bring up-
·
Cannot encounter relationship challenges under
the carpet
·
Triggers
·
Unsolved emotional wounds
·
Feeling stuck
·
Abusive/emotionally negligent relationships
might intensify to become more unstable and volatile
If both partners are emotionally approachable, taking the
time out to opening up the can of worms can help their relationship
Seek the help of loved ones, neighbours, therapists, relationship counselling or
abuse helplines for support and relief in cases of unhealthy relationships.