Covid-19 had been with us for quite some time now. No doubt it impacted on almost every part of our way of life, especially in the social aspect – not just that we cannot go out to meet with friends and family (especially during the earlier months), but also have to stay home with the same routine almost every day. As stay-home husbands, we can handle both the work and home tasks, but having other family members at home – no matter if they are your parents, your wife, or your kids – tensions flare ever so easily because of the constant close proximity. I know I had quite a number of arguments with my wife over the most trivial of things and I think it has a lot to do with pent up energy and frustration that cannot be released.
Its been almost 1/2 year since the beginning of this epidemic, and I can say we somewhat gradually adapted to scenario it placed on us. Speaking with friends, they told me these were the methods they used to maintain the atmosphere at home (surely you have heard of many of these or you have methods of your own, but I list them here anyway)
How to Maintain Couple Relationship during an Epidemic
- Be open and be kind to yourself and your family – don’t let that pent up anxiety explode. Keep the line of communication clear and open;
- “Schedule” your argument – being at home means you may see things about your family that you do not like and will complain about. Don’t lash out but rather find a set time per period to talk about them;
- Balance the alone time for yourself and sharing time with family – even though it is good to have family together, but you do need time for yourself to clear your mind, relax or to handle your work and tasks;
- Keep doing things you can enjoy at home – no matter if it is exercise, gaming, baking, cooking, gardening, or whatever things you like to do at home, don’t let those drop;
- The little gestures matter – no matter if its bringing a cup of tea or handling things while your other half has a phone or zoom conference, many times it is these little things we do to help that makes life at home just that much sweeter. Don’t be discouraged if some things you do don’t work out, keep at it;
- Stay humble and be thankful for each day that passes without incident – though in many areas, the epidemic seemed to show signs of control, but up till now, the number sick and dead from this virus had been staggering. So, if you and your family are ok, be happy about that simple fact;
- Reach out to others – with communication technology so convenient these days, reach out to your friends and relatives. Its always warm and good to stay connected during these times.
Any other ways you managed your family that wasn’t mentioned above? Tell us! More different methods give variety to the things we do and keep things fresh~