Maintaining intimacy in sexual and romantic relationships takes a great deal of dedication. Everyday life obligations have a way of taking attention away from the people you love. This is normal during the best of times. It can be even more of an issue during stressful periods. Living through the impact of the coronavirus certainly adds a level of stress to daily life. If you’re concerned about the toll this period may be having on your relationship, read on to discover ways to maintain intimacy during the pandemic.
Be Proactive About Showing Love
It’s easy to get so busy or stuck in a routine that you forget to show your partner how much you care. Even the smallest gesture of appreciation and love can be quite meaningful. Taking time to be proactive about letting your partner know you care is an essential step toward maintaining intimacy.
You probably know the kinds of things your partner most appreciates. Indulge them in ways that are meaningful to them. Keeping your relationship healthy during this time doesn’t take a lot of money or extensive amounts of time. If they crave physical touch, consider giving them a nice massage or take a moment to snuggle while watching your favorite show. Perhaps taking care of a task they don’t enjoy will help them to feel loved. Take over dinner duties one night or offer to do the grocery shopping. Small gestures can have a big impact.
Emphasize Closeness
Physical intimacy can come in many forms. It doesn’t have to be just sex, though sex is quite important to many couples. If you want to feel more physically close to your partner during this time that has many of us living life in a haze while functioning on autopilot, there are some simple ways you can promote that physical closeness.
As noted above, small acts like snuggling on the couch or trading massages can serve you well in increasing your physical intimacy. Even heading outside for a stroll around the neighborhood while holding hands is a nice way to connect. If you want to move further into sexual intimacy, talking about it is the first step to making sexy time happen. Discuss what you’re hoping to achieve and ways you can squeeze more intimacy into your schedules. Perhaps an activity such as taking online sex classes can be an easier way to delve into sexual territory if the direct conversation is difficult for you. An online sex class can also be a fun and informative way to learn more with your partner and potentially spice up your sex life.
Plan Date Nights
Chances are, intimate time together isn’t happening because all of life’s other demands are taking over. Unfortunately, intimacy can be one of the first things to get pushed aside during stressful times. A global pandemic is new to everyone. You don’t know what to expect, so you might be focusing on everyday necessities. It takes concrete action to break this habit.
Taking time to plan date nights for you and your partner will help break you out of your rut and ensure that there is time set aside time just for the two of you. Even if you find that you’re both working from home and seem to be seeing plenty of each other, it’s still important to make quality time for each other. Doing things that don’t involve work or household tasks will allow you to simply enjoy one another. Grab takeout and set up a picnic on the living room floor. Watch an online concert or tour together. Get creative to find activities you both enjoy that will let you unwind and connect.
Seek Support
Living during such an unprecedented time requires a great deal of support. While social distancing is necessary, it doesn’t mean that you must live in complete isolation. Be sure you’re reaching out to your support network for encouragement and connection. Relying exclusively on your significant other for these things can put too much pressure on the relationship.
Schedule zoom meetings or phone calls with friends. Be sure you’re keeping telehealth appointments with your therapist and medical providers. Reach out to family or friends who are in your bubble for help when you need it. Isolation can definitely be an intimacy killer.
Keep these tips in mind to help you maintain intimacy during this pandemic. Making some small changes in your everyday routine can truly strengthen your connection.