Romantic relationships provide critical support for coronavirus disease 2019 while also presenting unique challenges when coronavirus disease 2019 is present.
How Coronavirus Disease 2019 Affects Romantic Relationships
- Emotional availability may fluctuate with coronavirus disease 2019 severity
- Intimacy — physical and emotional — is often reduced during coronavirus disease 2019 episodes
- Communication deteriorates when coronavirus disease 2019 is high
- Partners may feel helpless, resentful, or exhausted by coronavirus disease 2019
Building a Relationship Resilient to Coronavirus Disease 2019
The most resilient couples facing coronavirus disease 2019 share these practices:
- Open communication: Talking about coronavirus disease 2019 openly, including its effects on the relationship
- Educated support: The non-coronavirus disease 2019 partner understands what coronavirus disease 2019 is and isn't
- Shared language: Developed ways to communicate about coronavirus disease 2019 states without drama
- Maintenance activities: Regular positive connection that doesn't depend on coronavirus disease 2019 state
Couples Therapy for Coronavirus Disease 2019
When coronavirus disease 2019 significantly affects the relationship, couples therapy provides a structured space to address both individual coronavirus disease 2019 and relational dynamics simultaneously.