How To Upgrade Your Post-Lockdown Relationship
Whether living together or living apart, there’s no doubt that the pandemic will have put a strain on your relationship. However, the fact that you survived the past 18 months says a lot about the strength of your bond. Now that normality is slowly returning, it’s about time you start to focus on living life to the fullest as a couple once more.
It may seem like a daunting prospect, but there are several ways to level up your relationship in the post-pandemic era. Here are some of the simple steps that can all the difference.
1| Make A Big Deal Of The Big Events
If nothing else, the pandemic has shown us how short and fragile life can be. So, if you were previously a couple who played down special occasions, it should be the wake-up call needed to change your outlook.
You don’t need to be attention-seekers to celebrate your anniversary in style. Meanwhile, birthdays, festive holidays, and other big occasions should be treated as the special events that they are. When you can look back on those magical dates and smile, it will make you far happier as individuals and a couple.
Once you get into the habit of marking special occasions in style, you will have something to look forward to at all times.
2| Accept A Slow Return To Normality
Every aspect of our lives have been impacted by the pandemic. Many of us will now encounter challenges that never previously existed. This is caused by anxiety, a lack of social interactions, and the absence of traditional structure.
As a couple, patience is vital. Apprehension with returning to social activities. Spending too much time together, and intimacy are to be expected. In many cases, it may feel like the relationship has taken a few steps back. In reality, it is no indication of trouble in paradise. It simply shows you’re human.
Things will return to normality over time. As long as your relationship starts moving in the right direction once more, things will be fine.
3| Show An Interest In Each Other’s Hobbies
Having individual hobbies is as important as joint activities. Likewise, you should be able to boast your separate friendship groups. Nonetheless, if your loved one has a passion for something in life, you should at least show a passing interest.
If they love football, for example, you should try to educate yourself on the basics. Even if you don’t want to sit and watch a full match, you can learn about the top 10 NFL coaches. Your newfound insight and ability to hold a conversation will impress your partner. The fact you’ve made the effort for them will make them feel special.
It’s equally important that they return the favor, though. Even if it’s something as simple as attending a gig of your favorite musician, those small steps are telling.
4| Build A Home Together
We are all influenced by our home surroundings. Assuming you live together or will be soon, it makes sense to start focusing on an interior design setup that you can enjoy together. Otherwise, it can feel like one of you is simply living in your partner’s home.
Even if one of you is the main decorator, try to find color schemes and other design features that you both like. While living spaces and the bedroom should appeal to both of you, it’s OK to have designated spots for yourselves. If only one of you uses the office or the conservatory, let the focus be on your personal tastes.
The garden is another location where having items that you can each enjoy, personally and collectively can be key.
5| Don’t Be Afraid To Address Issues
Even when you make this conscious effort to boost your relationship, you should not expect perfection. It’s unrealistic to think that you won’t ever experience hiccups along the way. Sadly, keeping them locked up is arguably the worst thing you can do.
It won’t necessarily sabotage the relationship overnight, but it will eventually take a toll. Being open and unafraid to address issues and work through them as a couple is key. In some cases, counseling may be required. However, in most cases, a little honesty and openness with each other will go a long way.
You cannot expect each other to improve your faults if you aren’t told about them. Talking removes the blind spots in your relationship. Embrace it.
6| Enjoy Date Nights
If you have been living together, it has probably become very easy to take romance for granted. There’s nothing wrong with watching Netflix and working your way through a box of chocolates, but there’s more to life too.
Arranging simple date nights will help you rediscover the spark in your relationship. Aside from the romantic elements, it’s nice to start taking pride in your appearance once more. The combination of personal developments and working on your relationship will make you happier. It’s the least you deserve.
Short breaks away together can work wonders as you look to feel like yourself, and indeed yourselves, once more.
7| Discuss Future Plans
Not all of the fallout from the pandemic has been negative. For many people, it has provided clarity by making them take stock and think about what they really want. If life situations and outlooks have changed, couples should be willing to discuss the matter in detail.
Have you decided that you need to pursue a new career? Changed your thoughts on when you want a baby? Or simply realized that you want to buy a home together? If those issues, or any other relevant factors, have surfaced, don’t ignore them. The sooner you know where each other stands, the better.
Most couples will find that they are capable of working together on those adjusted goals. Still, if you are moving in opposite directions, it’ll cause major issues down the line.
8| Work On Yourselves
The harsh reality is that your relationship probably isn’t the only thing that requires attention. It’s equally likely that you could benefit from personal TLC. if you are not comfortable in your skin, it will be very hard to feel comfortable in your relationship.
Now is the time to restore positive routines. From working out to eating healthy, steps that boost your image and self-confidence are vital. Focusing on one or two new positive steps can be a great way to get your mindset in a positive place. In truth, it’s best to opt for something that has at least some social activities included.
As a couple, you should support each other with those individual journeys. If nothing else, it’ll support your joint efforts to build the best possible relationship.
9| Be Happy For What You Have
There’s a strong possibility that you have suffered during this past period. Individually and as a partnership. However, you also have a lot to be thankful for. Learning to focus on the positives and stop dwelling on mistakes will change your lives for the better.
The fact that you have each other and have stayed loyal despite these challenging times should be celebrated. Even if you have lost a job or friends during the pandemic, you have each other as a support network. There’s strength in your unity, and it should not be overlooked. Together you can get through the difficult moments to come.
Let the positives outweigh the perceived negatives and you’ll enter all aspects of life in a better style. Your relationship will be a key beneficiary.
10| Do The Things You Had Planned Before COVID
If you were already together before the pandemic, it’s likely that you had plans in place for 2020. It’s better to do them late than never. So, now is the time to revisit the checklist of tasks that you wanted to complete.
Did you have tickets for attractions or events that have been rescheduled? Even if you’re no longer as fascinated by the artist, you should enjoy those events. It is your chance to create those magical memories like you initially wanted. Meanwhile, if you had a list of places that you wanted to visit, you should start to tick them off once more.
Finish the past chapter by treating this hangover and you’ll be set to kickstart the next chapter in far better style.
11| Focus On Fun
Given the pessimism felt during the past 18 months, it’s important to inject some positivity. Your partner is the perfect person to do that, but only if you work together as a couple. You need to rediscover fun.
The previously mentioned dates and short breaks are ideal starting points. However, simply enjoying your company and learning not to be too serious will be crucial. It has been an immensely stressful period for us all. Your relationship should be the antidote rather than a contributing factor.
Having fun is a key ingredient in the recipe for any successful relationship. That’s one thing that even the pandemic won’t change. Embrace it.