Keeping Relationships Strong During Uncertain Times

During the long months of COVID-19 quarantine, relationships across the world are being tested. Isolated for months with family and romantic partners can be a recipe for disaster for some, while others said they grow closer and enjoy spending family time free from the usual frantic pace of life. Having supportive people to travel through life with is essential for good mental and physical health. It’s been found that having a toxic relationship is worse than having no relationship at all, while supportive relationships can extend one’s life span.

In uncertain times, most people instinctively turn to partners for security and reassurance. Relationships matter even more amid chaos and fearful situations. One series of studies by Sandra Murray and her colleagues at the University at Buffalo in New York examined Google searches based on zip code. They documented that people turned to their closest relationships for security, acceptance, and love on days when the following terms were searched on Google: terrorism, recession, global warming, racism, and protest.

Providing support in good times and bad shows the partner they are loved.

In the midst of global unrest, investing in personal relationships is essential. So, what does it take to keep a relationship strong during uncertain times? Being open and honest with those one cares about is the first step. Without being guarded or self-conscious, it’s important to share one’s true self with a partner. Sharing genuine thoughts and feelings is an essential part of building a strong relationship. Asking for help and support is also crucial, as shouldering everything alone adds to stress while expressing gratitude to a partner and appreciating them deepens the bond.

In order to build balance in a relationship, it’s important to be there for a partner, to listen and acknowledge what they are feeling. Providing support in good times and bad shows the partner they are being loved. Being the helpful support to lift them up goes a long way. Also, it’s important to allow them to appreciate you.   

No one is perfect and mistakes are opportunities for growth. Forgiveness of others is also important as small grievances can fester for years. Letting go after someone makes a mistake offers the opportunity to learn from mistakes and not allow pain to take over. Couples who thrive pay attention to each other and invest in the relationship by taking time to talk, listen, and create a life complete with mistakes, heartache, and love.

Dealing with the pressures of life and raising a family can be hard in good times, but during a pandemic it can be overwhelming. Lack of sleep and elevated stress levels can make it easy to lose one’s temper over small things. Being aware that outside influences are adding to the stress is key. Giving each other the benefit of the doubt and even making rules for oneself can help.

Stress can take a toll on any relationship, but making the conscious effort to nurture and strengthen the relationship with clear, honest communication can go far. Really listening to the other person and appreciating their support is essential for both partners. Hopefully, as life returns to its normal, hectic pace, lessons learned during the pause of the pandemic about how to value, appreciate, and love a partner will stay.