Everyone felt the impacts of the lockdown at the beginning of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Many people’s relationships were put to the ultimate test. Cohabitating couples were faced with having to be with one another around the clock, which may not have been the norm for them prior to the pandemic. For some, this was extremely beneficial for their relationship.
According to a study conducted by the American Family Survey, 58% of people who participated said they found more appreciation for their partners by deepening the connection within their relationship.
However, some couples found themselves to be on the other end of the spectrum. The pandemic caused turmoil amongst relationships that caused more separation, division, and distance.
While there is still more we are navigating as a world throughout the pandemic, there have been more opportunities for us to find a little more freedom throughout our days. This also means there is more opportunity for couples to reconnect in their relationships.
It’s okay if you’re a little rusty in the romance department. Here are five ways to help you keep the romance alive and reconnect with your partner.
Disconnect to Reconnect
Between the cell phones in our pockets and screen time spent with our jobs, it’s hard to find time to disconnect. This is why it’s so important to set aside time every day to do so. This includes within your relationship, too. Find a time each day to put both of your phones and all of your other electronics away for thirty minutes. You can do this right before you go to bed.
Spend this time together where you get to have honest conversations to talk about your day. Not only are you allowing for a chance to work on improving your communication in the relationship, but you’ll also actually get a better night’s sleep.
By removing yourself from the blue screen of your mobile device, you’ll be more likely to hit the REM cycle of sleep. More sleep means you’ll be happier overall. The happier you are, the more you can fully show up as yourself in your relationship.
Read Together
When was the last time you and your partner connected over something that wasn’t a series on Netflix? While relaxing on the couch together isn’t necessarily a bad thing, you could always try a new approach. Reading together increases bonding time with your partner in a different way.
Pick a book you both would be interested in reading. Then curl up with a glass of wine, a blanket, and your partner while you cozy up in front of the fireplace. Take turns reading the chapters out loud to one another.
Not only is this romantic, but it can also spark some really valuable conversation within your relationship you wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Schedule Your Date Nights
Like we said, life can be incredibly hectic. Between being full-time parents, working demanding jobs, and keeping up with the household, it barely leaves time for yourself, let alone your partner. This is why it’s crucial to schedule your date nights. Once a week, put your date night on the calendar.
Add it to both your personal and work calendars so neither one of you will be disturbed during this allotted time. It sets a reminder to hire a babysitter if necessary and it’ll give you both something to look forward to.
It’s a cute way throughout the week to send little reminders to each other through texts or emails saying, “Hey you, I can’t wait for our date night this weekend with you.”
Counseling
Sometimes when the romance in your relationship has hit a wall and you feel like you’ve tried it all, it might be worth looking into counseling. We get it. Counseling doesn’t sound that romantic. But you’d be surprised what the power of improving your communication can do to add a little heat into your relationship.
When communication improves and issues are able to be resolved, it leaves more room for growth. You are able to understand what the other person is needing or wanting, which can lead to a true, genuine connection.
While the pandemic may have added extra issues to your relationship, it’s not too late to find ways to reconnect. The most important thing you need to remember is that you are the one that has to put in the work. No one else will be able to do that for you.
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.