The COVID-19 pandemic has been a rollercoaster for couples, and it’s no wonder that many are reporting marital issues and the divorce rate feels higher than it used to be. Married couples vow to be together no matter what, but when you said “I do,” you may not have imagined what 2020 would bring.
Let’s look at some common reasons people are calling it quits this pandemic.
Being Together Too Much
When you’re together with someone, you’re usually not always literally together. You are usually at your own job away from your partner. You may have a night out with your friends while your partner does something else.
That’s perfectly fine. The saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder” is true. That’s why it may come as a huge culture shock if you’re together with someone all the time due to being unemployed or doing your job from home. Quirks you liked may suddenly become full-fledged annoyances. You may feel like you no longer get any privacy.
With a marriage, most couples thrive with a balance of together and alone time. If the two of you rarely see each other, it’s easy to grow apart. However, if the two of you are always together, you may annoy each other all the way to the divorce court.
That’s why striking a balance in this pandemic is so important. Schedule “alone time.” This can come in the form of one person walking alone in a socially distant park, or another person having some time on the gaming PC. Wanting some alone time doesn’t decrease the worth of your marriage; it’s a natural part that you need to be aware of during the pandemic.
Financial Reasons
One big reason why many couples end their relationship is because of finances. Sometimes, it’s because one person in the relationship isn’t making enough money. Other times, it’s due to the fact that there’s someone in the relationship who is being dishonest financially. When you’re starving for money, your spouse may be making purchases that are unneeded, leading to arguments.
The pandemic has made it worse for everyone due to the fact that many of us have fewer finances. Maybe someone has been laid off and is on unemployment or has their hours slashed. Either way, being financially prepared and learning how to manage money is the way to do it during these tough times. Of course, that’s easier said than done. No one is a financial guru.
Too Much Stress
Some levels of stress can be healthy. It’s the body’s natural way to respond to tough situations, after all. However, too much stress is unnatural and can have negative effects on one’s body. Not to mention, it makes you more irritable. You may snap at your spouse a bit more and be more prone to arguments. When you’re someone who is stressed, it’s important for you to take a breather and avoid any conflict that could make it worse.
Poor Conflict Management
In addition to stress-causing conflict, many people have conflict management that’s a little poor. You may end up yelling at your spouse. You may also be someone who feels as though you have to win the argument. This is not how it should be. Conflict is about resolution and compromise, not about who wins.
Bad conflict management can happen due to the stresses of a relationship. It’s important to be mindful when resolving conflict and avoid doing anything too toxic. It’s not a game one should win, but instead learning to manage disagreements and come up with solutions that either party would like. Even if you feel you’re in the right, avoid trying to win an argument.
Not Going to Therapy
In the history of marriage, having someone to help you out is always a part of it. If the two of you are on the rocks or have an issue you don’t know how to resolve, talking to a therapist is important. However, many people are avoiding therapy due to the pandemic. Instead, they believe they can resolve the issues on their own.
Learning to manage your own conflict is a good thing, but many people do not know how to. A therapist can give advice that’s tailor-made to specific couples. However, many people are avoiding that. They shouldn’t, though. There are ways to get therapy without going to an office, including:
Online Therapy
Because of the pandemic, many couples are realizing how valuable online therapy can be. You can as well. Talking to a therapist online can offer the same benefits and help you to fix your marriage. Best of all, you can communicate through video, text, or email.
If you want to get started on online therapy for marriage, click the link below:
https://www.regain.us/advice/marriage/
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