Tips for maintaining your relationship during coronavirus
Tip #1: Find your routines
Tip #1: Find your routines
One or both of you may be working from home just now. Take a look at your working hours and see how to make them work for you. With kids at home you’ll likely not be able to work at the same time. Speak to your employers and see if they can be flexible during this period. Make sure you both have a clear idea about when one person is working, when the other is looking after the kids, and when you’re all together.
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Tip #2: Be understanding
Tip #2: Be understanding
Couples don’t normally spend this much time with each other. This is tricky for anyone. You or your partner may be used to a certain amount of your own time – whether at work or at home when the kids are at school. Accept that this is as difficult for them as it is for you, and try to see things from their point of view.
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Tip #3: Give them some space
Tip #3: Give them some space
It’s hard being in the house for this length of time but if you both can, try and find a little space for yourself each day. You might want to take some time to go out and relax or do some exercise alone or with a friend (you can find the latest guidance around meeting up with other households here). Even letting them have space to cook tea or soak in the bath could help. Ask them to do the same for you. Doing certain things on your own will also help give you things to talk about together.
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Tip #4: Make time to spend together
Tip #4: Make time to spend together
It could be a chat before the kids are up, or a cuddle on the sofa when they’re in bed. Try and make time that’s just between the two of you.
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Tip #5: Accept each other’s feelings
Tip #5: Accept each other’s feelings
One of you may be more worried about the news than the other. Accept that you’re different people and your responses to what’s going on will be different. They're probably not feeling great either and it can be really helpful to understand where the other one is coming from.
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Tip #6: Have fun
Tip #6: Have fun
This is a strange and difficult time for everyone. But you may not have this much time together again. Try to see the positives and have as much fun together as you can.
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Support available
It’s understandable that during difficult times like these some people may need professional support to help with their relationship problems. If you and your partner are having relationship issues there is support out there to help.
The mygov.scot website has more information about the relationship and counselling support that’s available. As well as links guidance on mediation and help for people separated from their partners.
The Your Parenting Plan section on the Scottish Government website has a guide for parents who live apart or who are separating, on how to agree on childcare.
Find a local counselling service through Relationships Scotland. The charity has information about what happens at counselling including how much it costs. They can also help you find a find a mediator.
The Relationship Helpline is available to provide support and a friendly listening ear. Phone the charity's relationship helpline on 0808 802 2088. It's open from Monday to Thursdays from 9am to 9pm (Fridays 9am to 4pm) and it's a free number. The Helpline can also set you up with free relationship counselling either online or on the phone if you feel more in depth support would help.
For advise and tips on understanding conflict and emotional needs to transform relationships, visit the Scottish Centre for Conflict Resolution website for award winning digital resources.
Family Support Directory
Find more support on your family relationships from trusted organisations in our Family Support Directory.