Being in a long-distance relationship (LDR) can be difficult on a good day. Now, throw in a deadly virus that's sweeping the globe, and you can definitely feel the stress mounting for long-distance couples.
Image courtesy of marriage.com
Many people may consider missing your spouse to be a "first world problem" during COVID-19, but the truth is beyond the virus itself, the social distancing has been a mentally challenging part of trying to flatten the curve.
Couples who are separated during this pandemic are experiencing great bouts of stress and depression.
With all of the chaos and uncertainty in the world, it can be difficult to imagine a time when all of this will be behind us.
But it will happen. In the meantime, here are the biggest ways the Coronavirus pandemic is affecting long-distance couples.
How Coronavirus pandemic is affecting long-distance couples
1. Not being able to ride through the chaos together
When we feel like our world is crumbling down around us, it's only natural to want to be around the ones we love.
Whether you are separated by cities or countries, it is incredibly distressing to be apart during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The urge to be together is strong, and the fact that you can't is maddening, but just because you can't be in the same room together doesn't mean you can't show love and support during this time.
2. All of the unknowns
Having a long-distance relationship in the time of Coronavirus is scary for many reasons. One of the biggest being that there are so many unknowns that have sprouted from this pandemic, such as:
· When will we be able to see each other again?
· Will this last for months? Weeks? Years?
· Can our relationship survive the stress of this mixed with being unable to be physically together?
· What happens if one of us gets sick?
· When will the borders open up again, and when they do, will I even feel safe traveling?
3. Dealing with disappointment
Did you and your spouse have a trip planned together? Were you a week away from seeing each other only to have your flights cancelled?
Are you on lockdown, unable to go out and distract yourself from missing your partner? Or perhaps you're already depressed from not being able to see friends and family, and the distance you feel with your spouse is just the cherry on top of your mental health?
Disappointment will come in many forms during this unstable time, and it's okay to feel down about it. You may even go through a period of mourning over how your relationship -and the world- are going to suffer during this time.
Just remember not to take your disappointments out on your partner. Be a unit and let this time apart strengthen your love, not tear it down.
4. Getting sick
What happens if you or your spouse contracts Coronavirus?
This will be very upsetting, indeed, but think positive! Most people will recover from the virus so long as they have the proper care.
Encourage your partner to self-isolate and take good care of their physical and mental health until they get better.
In the meantime, show them they have your love and support, even if you are far away.
How to stay connected in a LDR during COVID-19
As someone in a LDR, you already have a leg up over most other couples who are separated due to quarantining or lockdowns.
You already know how to live without seeing your spouse on a daily basis.
Here are a few great tips on how to stay strong during the time of the Coronavirus.
1. Stay in contact
Practicing healthy communication is the best thing you can do with your spouse to combat COVID-19 relationship depression.
Thanks to technology, we can all stay in constant contact with our loved ones while in self-isolation or while under shelter in place. Use text, social media, and video chats to your advantage.
Talk about your feelings, frustrations, and fears. And most importantly, express your affection openly.
The world is a pretty depressing place right now, but you have one of the best things anyone can ever have: love.
Bask in it and use the strength of your love as an armor until we're all back in a world that we recognize.
2. Be patient
Patience is a virtue - and a very difficult virtue at that, especially when you're patiently waiting to see the one you love after potentially months of self-isolating.
The good news is, you and your spouse are already used to going long periods without being together physically.
It's hard not to feel impatient when you know there's something good at the end of the rainbow, but just remember that distance makes the heart grow fonder.
In the meantime, remind yourself how much you love your spouse and think about all of the reasons they are worth the wait.
3. Make a list of future plans
Just because you can't see each other now doesn't mean you won't be able to get together in the future - and what better way to anticipate this time than to make some itineraries
Talking about future goals and plans, such as traveling as a couple or moving in together, boosts morale and gives couples something to look forward to.
4. Follow government rules
If you live in a different country than your spouse, you have likely resigned to the fact that you won't be able to see them for quite some time.
But it can be more difficult to accept that you must socially isolate if your spouse only lives a couple of hours away from you.
Remember how important it is at this time to help flatten the curve and support healthcare workers by socially isolating them.
Governments are all but begging people not to leave their homes unless they absolutely have to.
Basically, if you're not an essential worker, you're not getting groceries, and you're not seeking medical attention - stay home!
It's difficult to be away from the one you love, but we all must follow the rules to shelter in place if we want this virus to pass.
Being in a long-distance relationship during the time of Coronavirus is trying. This season of life may feel especially long without being able to see your spouse in person, but this too shall pass.
Be patient, show love, and stay in contact with each other daily. This will help keep your relationship strong until you can see each other again.
About Rachael Pace:
Rachael is a noted writer currently associated with Marriage.com. She provides inspiration, support, and empowerment in the form of her motivational articles and essays. Rachael enjoys studying about today's evolving forms of loving partnerships and is passionate about writing on all types of romantic connections. She believes that everyone should make room for love in their lives and encourages couples to work on overcoming their challenges together.
tagged in long distance relationship