Will Your Relationship Survive the Coronavirus Lockdown?

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Many countries are currently on lockdown, including but not limited to Spain, Italy, and France. Others have closed their borders. But what is a lockdown and what does it mean for your relationship?

Unlike a self-quarantine, which is a personal choice made to help protect others, a lockdown is instituted by the government. What does a lockdown mean? If you're unfamiliar, here are some bullet points about what a lockdown means:

• Non-essential businesses will be closed:
• You are not allowed to leave your home unless you are going to work (at a business that has not been shut down), buying groceries, attending a doctor's appointment/getting medication, or to go for a brief walk
• Borders are shut down and travel is suspended
• Police or military presence. These will be patrolling the streets and issuing fines for those breaking lockdown rules.

If you're stuck at home with your spouse for the next two weeks, you're probably having one of two thoughts.

1. "I'm so in love and can't imagine spending this scary time with anyone else!"

or 2. "I have to see you every day, morning and night, for the next two weeks? FOUR WEEKS?? Send help!"

Yes, not all couples were designed to spend 24/7 together. That's why we're looking at 6 essential tips to ensure your relationship survives the coronavirus lockdown.

1. Communicate your feelings – good and bad

Studies show that couples who communicate regularly are more positive than those who don't. During stressful times it's important to strive to understand your spouse.

Communicate openly about how you're feeling about the situation. You will no doubt feel comforted by your spouse when you do so.

Remember, communication isn't all about fears and problem-solving! 

Communicating is also how we learn more about each other, how we grow our romantic friendships, and how to create true intimacy.

2. Don't contribute to the panic

Check out any TV station, YouTube channel, or Twitter account and you will be bombarded with the newest headlines about the coronavirus.

It's good to stay informed about what's going on in the world, especially when it could affect you or your loved ones.

But you'll do a disservice to your relationship if you start obsessing over the pandemic. It can bring stress, anxiety, and depression into your marriage, and that's the last thing you want during a lockdown.

Instead of obsessing, (as suggested above) calmly communicate your worries and feelings to your spouse and then let those feelings go.

3. Prepare in advance for a lockdown

One way to reduce breakup-inducing stress during a lockdown is by being prepared beforehand. If your country, state/province, or city has not issued a lockdown, now is the time to get prepared.

Start putting money away each paycheck to prepare for any bills you'll need to cover while you're not at work

Buy some games, a couple of bottles of wine, and get a 14-day supply of food. Remember to buy only what you need.

By preparing in advance, you'll reduce the stress you feel when the lockdown does happen in your area.

4. Don't fear the outdoors

A lockdown means you shouldn't leave your home if you don't have to, but that doesn't mean you have to live claustrophobically for the next two weeks.

Take advantage of the provision to go for small walks with the one you love. Many governments allow a grace period for walks, or hang out in your backyard and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.

The vitamin D you get from the sun is a major mood booster. It can also promote healthy bones and reproductive organs, improve blood pressure, and reduce depression.

Head outside with your sweetheart and make your walk a mini-date. Ask each other fun questions, take pictures, and just enjoy the change of pace from watching Netflix and cuddling.

5. Make life fun

When you're deep in lockdown and life seems miserable it can take a toll on your love. But there is no reason why you should be down in the dumps. 

Look for ways to make life fun with your spouse while you're in isolation.

Talk about what you're going to do when all of this is over. Do you want to start a family or start an adventure?

Share all the things this experience has made you grateful for such as your health and freedom

Start a new hobby with your spouse. Reads books aloud to each other, play a video or board game together, do a crossword or learn a craft.

Write a blog together. Share what you've been doing in isolation and inspire other couples to stay close

Learn how to bake. Nothing says happiness like a warm brownie!

Make a bucket list of all of the places you want to travel when it is safe to do so and then plan the itineraries for each destination. By the time you can book your ticket, you'll have your dream vacation planned!

6. Take advantage of the opportunity to be intimate

Have sex. Lots of it. We're sure that once this is all over and done with there is going to be a trendy new name for all the babies conceived during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

There are many reasons why you should be getting busy while your country is on lockdown.

First of all, it’s fun! What better way to pass the time than by trying new positions, teasing each other all day long, and having a mind-blowing orgasm?

Second, it’s a great distraction. The world outside doesn’t exist when you are having great sex.

Third, it’s a natural stress-reliever. Studies show that the oxytocin released post-orgasm can elevate your mood and banish stress.

If this doesn’t sound like the perfect way to spend your lockdown, we don’t know what does!

Yes, you may be bored out of your skull during a lockdown, but remember that Shakespeare wrote his best work, King Lear, when he was under quarantine from the plague. Why not let your lockdown be the beginning of your greatest love? By following the tips above, you'll ensure that the love you share with your sweetheart will outlast the coronavirus.