Love in the time of coronavirus: part 5

Building relationship resilience during self-isolation

Developing relationship flexibility

Be kindOne of the key ingredients of a strong and resilient relationship is the ability to adapt flexibly to changed circumstances. While flexibility is helpful, the way we respond to change can also reveal the ways in which power and responsibility operate in our relationship. This post addresses the question: when change comes, how do we decide who should now do what? Continue reading

Love in the time of coronavirus: part 4

Building relationship resilience during self-isolation

The emotional impact

"Be kind"As the world changes before our eyes, we are being repeatedly challenged by increasing uncertainty and potential threat. When change is so rapid and so profound, It can be hard to take it all on board. if we want to learn to adapt, we will need to face the reality of what has changed and its emotional impact on us. Continue reading

Love in the time of coronavirus: part 3

Building relationship resilience during self-isolation

Developing relationship mindfulness

Be kindIn my previous post, I introduced the idea of building relationship resilience by taking responsibility for how we behave during stressful times. In this post, I’d like to write about how to use mindfulness to increase your relationship self-awareness and your awareness of your partner. Continue reading

Love in the time of coronavirus: part 2

Building relationship resilience during self-isolation

Taking responsibility

Be kindIn my previous post, I introduced the idea of building relationship resilience by tackling external stresses and understanding conflict. In this post, I’d like to talk about how we can take a look at the way we’re trying to cope and its impact on our partner. Continue reading

Love in the time of coronavirus: part 1

Building relationship resilience during self-isolation

Introduction

"Be kind"It can be a big ask suddenly to find yourself living with your partner in isolation with no clear end in sight. Much as we might love each other,  we aren’t really designed to spend quite so much time in close proximity.  As a relationship therapist, I have been thinking about ways that might help us cope better with this situation. In particular, I’m wondering whether this might be an opportunity to build more resilience into our relationships. Continue reading