How Quarantine Changes the Way We Love?

Watching the news probably feels like the world is about to end. Whenever we talk about coronavirus, I always think about the lives that will be lost, the pandemic cases that are unceasingly rising, people losing their jobs, and its impact to the economy even in the education system. But one thing we can not also ignore is how it’s gonna affect relationships, especially for couples.

At this time, many of us are under a stay-at-home work arrangement to help reduce the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. For some of us, this means being at home with our spouses much more than we used to. Before the pandemic, couples normally spend an average of two to two and a half hours a day together but now that’s triple or even more. This quarantine thing is putting a much more amount of pressure on their relationship. They are getting tired of each other like just because you’ve committed your life to someone, doesn't mean you want to be committed 24/7.

This has been evident with the spikes in the divorce rates in several countries. Japan for example reportedly has an increase in the divorce rate for about 35 percent and this led to the trending term “corona divorce”. Forty-five percent of marriages in the United States ended in separation. Britain’s divorce rates reached almost 41 percent. In Saudi Arabia, it has an increase of 30 percent. Even in China, where Coronavirus began, 4.15 million couples untied the knot. Could you just imagine the pale of tears and the number of heartbreaks caused by these splitting up and separation?

We can not deny that the fear and uncertainty brought by the pandemic are swirling around us. It affects our moods and how we behave with our loved-ones. We are experiencing stress hormones rolling around in our body a bit more frequently for we are being out of our routines and out of our normal habits. And the challenges in the way we live with each other, the way we manage conflict, and the way we communicate with one another are getting amplified right now. We find ourselves in a situation that is new and strange.

But don’t get it twisted. Coronavirus is not breaking up every couple. This quarantine thing reveals what your relationship already is. It may be tough to be stuck inside with someone all the time but this is a reality for a little bit. It is still the couples’ choice to make if they want to set up a pressure cooker bomb to destroy their relationship or to turn quarantine time into quality time. And I personally suggest choosing the latter one.

Being stuck at home should not mean that the date night is canceled There are many lovebirds out there who are taking the initiative to make the best of being at home together and to keep their relationships strong during these unusual times. Here are a few stay-at-home date ideas for couples that you can set up “ala quarantine style”. You may try any of these or all of these and make your relationship burning.

1. Set up a couple’s quarantine- massage or spa date.

This can be both relaxing and romantic. It relieves muscle tensions and releases natural chemicals like oxytocin or the “cuddle chemicals” so you will experience an increase in happiness, calmness, and pleasure during and after the massage. This is a great stay at home date night idea to do on a weekend to start a new work- week feeling relaxed and refreshed. You can take turns in giving each other luxurious, full-body massages using all the lotions and oils you have in the house. You can even make your D.I.Y. face masks and body scrubs. So what are you waiting for? Wear your comfy robes and slippers. Fill a pitcher of water infused with cucumber and mint. Add a little twist and experience the real benefits of having couples’ spa and massage in physical, mental, and relationship health.

2. Set up an around-the-world date night.

Can’t travel or go out? Wanna see the world but can’t go far? Why not try bringing your favorite place or your dream country at home? Yes! That is completely possible! Customize! Get your bucket list and choose a country that you’ve been wanting to travel to. Unleash your creativity, put out your art kinds of stuff, and create your fave country-theme as background. But date nights will not be complete if your stomachs are growling. Cook or order store-bought dinner inspired by that country. Dance romantically with your partner and enjoy the rest of the night together.

3. Set up a romantic picnic at home

No backyard or balcony at home but want to have a picnic with your partner? Consider it a problem-solved. Recreate a picnic scenery in any spot at home, a vacant room, your bedroom, in the dining room, in the living room, or even in the kitchen, anywhere! Prepare your favorite food, pack everything into the basket, including cloth napkins and two wine glasses. And of course, don’t forget the blanket to sit on. You can open the window to get the breeze going or you can also stargaze when it's midnight. Use picnic ideas that create a romantic atmosphere and that will spice things up even when you are stuck at home.

4. Set up an Instagram-able photoshoot at home

People do not capture photos, they capture memories, especially happy moments of their lives. And couples taking photos of each other or together can also turn quarantine time into quality time. You can get dressed, prepare backdrop designs, and take Instagram-able shots using everyday objects you’ve got at home. Instagram-able here describe photos that are attractively wholesome, creatively taken, and uniquely conceptualized. It is not necessary to post your photos on social media, It is still your call. The point here is to simply have fun!

5. Set up the traditional movie house at home

Who says movie date is now out of trend? Well, it is a fallacy. Couples still love watching movies, even TV shows together. Sitting on a couch with your significant other is already a fun and relaxing way to pass the time. What more if the screen is on, there’s a bowl of popcorn and cans of soda, and a table where you can rest your feet on? Though you’re sharing an imaginary world with fictional characters that are not real, this can actually bring you closer. In fact, some clinical psychologists have begun using movies as a tool to improve relationships. They assigned couples to watch and discuss a relationship-themed movie and was an effective intervention to prevent divorce. Isn’t that amazing? The power of binge-watching to make relationships everlasting?! But of course both of you should open up opportunities for conversation, whether serious or light-hearted. It will unfold naturally if you just let it be.

Let’s change gears and focus on something a little different. Look for creative ways to connect and get closer with your partners. No high price tags needed. What is really important is to make your at-home dates feel distinct, special, and meaningful one.