It’s interesting how relationship conflict has evolved since the onset of COVID-19.
Yes, we still have the same old relationship disagreements with dividing household tasks, money issues, and parenting.
However, because of the disease, couples are now having disagreements about social distancing and other risk-mitigating strategies to prevent the spread of COVID.
Is it safe to go out to dinner? Can I spend time with a friend if we are always six feet apart? These differences have just as much of an impact on your marriage as other, more “traditional” sources of conflict.
Here’s how social distancing and other COVID-related issues might affect your marriage.
Differences When it Comes to Risk
First, there may be a disagreement when it comes to what is appropriate risk management with COVID-19. For instance, one of you has a more conservative approach to risk, while the other is less rigid. These differences lead inevitably to relationship conflict. For example:
One of you wants to get together with friends while still maintaining safety precautions (masks, meeting outside, six feet apart). The other believes you must stay home at all costs.
You want to go to a sit-down restaurant while the other thinks it would be better to get takeout.
Going to a gym to work out, even with precautions, creates conflict.
It’s important to note that everyone is different and has their own tolerance with risk. There may be other factors involved in the decision-making process, such as preexisting health conditions or living with an infirm relative in the home.
However, people have also found many creative ways to spend time with others while still maintaining appropriate COVID protocols.
Just the Two of You, All the Time
Let’s say that both of you are on the same page when it comes to the risks associated with contracting COVID-19. However, there’s another problem. You and your partner are always with each other without a break.
Certainly, many relationship advice articles have been written suggesting the couples spend more time together. However, we all need our own space too. Having separate hobbies and spending time apart with separate friend groups can actually be beneficial to relationships.
If you are spending all of your time together, you wind up getting on each other’s nerves. Tension builds. Small slights turn into resentments, which turn into conflicts.
Feeling Disconnected from Others, and Yourselves
One common complaint during this pandemic has been the loss of connection that we have with other people. We try to do our best with Zoom and even telephone calls, but it’s not the same as having friends or family over for dinner.
That lack of connection with other people can translate to feeling disconnected from your partner. It puts you and your partner at risk for developing depression. This is especially true given that we are already expected to stay home more. That contributes to that sense of disconnection and isolation.
What to Do About Social Distancing and Your Marriage
If you are noticing these issues in your relationship, then it’s time to get help. Reach out today to talk with a therapist trained in marriage counseling. Therapy can help you both to explore why these issues are impacting your relationship, and what to do to solve them.
This means being vulnerable about topics that you may have been reluctant to share. However, your therapist can support both of you through this process so that you each get the help you need.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has extended to many aspects of our lives. Even though social distancing is necessary to prevent the spread of the disease, it can still negatively affect your relationship. If you are concerned about this, reach out for support. Contact me today how marriage counseling will help.