Feeling the pressure of working from home with your significant other the last couple of days? Me too.
The struggle is real but we’ll make it through. Your relationship is important and not even Corona can break it down. Follow these tips, make a few adjustments, and you may be able to enjoy this quarantine more as an unexpected stay-cation with your boo instead of seeing it as your breaking point.
- Give each other space: Remember the ‘good ol’ days AKA before all this, where you both woke up, got ready, and went to separate jobs? Even if you don’t both work, someone probably left. Do that again. Assign work areas within your space (preferably in separate rooms) and stay there working on something, anything, during work hours. You guys can decide what ‘work hours’ means. (Early Happy Hour anyone?)
- Don’t interrupt one another: This is really an extension of #1. While working, try not to interrupt one another. We all need time to focus on our work tasks, and just because we are suddenly together all day doesn’t mean we should be talking and sharing all day. Give your partner both mental and physical space during this time.
- Maintain dinner time: Remember how you used to get home around 6 and he/she/they got home around 6:30. And then you’d eat dinner and catch up about your day. Do that. Keep dinner routines consistent to remind you to shift from “working from home” to “home”.
- Appreciate your circumstance: Right now, literally *millions* of people are stuck at home… just like you. Some have comfortable homes and some live less ideal. Some are sad, and bored, and all alone. But you…you are kinda *lucky* because you have someone to be bored with. So remember to be a little extra appreciative of the fact that you can get help and kisses and cuddles from another human being right now.
- Reimagine nighttime and weekends: We have to stay at home. So some of our favorite things (restaurants, bars, 7/11) are unavailable. You’re going to have to think of new things to do together in the house. What have been some of your dreams? Did you want to learn to dance in your living room or want to show your partner how to play chess? Walking around the neighborhood is not off-limits (just maintain 6-ft social distance) and is good for the soul. Whatever it is, find new ways to spend your free time together to break up the monotony of Netflix.
- Let annoying things slide: You are literally locked in a small space with another human being (who is also kinda like an animal). You are both stressed and annoyed and like…WTF is happening? Give each other some leeway and avoid petty arguments. He says ‘You left your shoes bla bla bla…’. Don’t fight it, just smile and be like ‘Okay’… and move on.
- Renegotiate chores: For me, staying home 7 days a week and cooking all 3 meals means 3x the dishes and a dirtier house. You may all of a sudden have your kids full time. Whatever your situation, you’re going to need to renegotiate the workload. Not sure where to start? Read my post, How To Split Chores With Your Honey.
Choose wisely and keep your head up. This is temporary and there are better days ahead. ❤
Victoria Storr is a Marriage and Family Therapist and School Psychologist living in San Francisco, CA. Visit her site at www.VictoriaStorr.com
