It’d be an understatement to say that Quarantine has tested many of our relationships, but I’ll say it anyway. As the CoronaVirus continues to change the social paradigm that we’re used to, I’ve noticed that a lot of my personal relationships have changed due to lockdown--some for the better, some for the worse. Being stuck inside with the same, small select group of people can expose you to some of your loved ones’ worst habits, but it can also be an opportunity to learn more and reevaluate the relationships at hand.

Being in close proximity for an extended period of time is the perfect opportunity to relearn and proclaim your love for the people around you.

Over the past few months, I have already experienced the quarantine rollercoaster of emotions. I’ve had both high and low points with my family; and it’s becoming more difficult as we struggle to separate non-home stuff from home-stuff, despite the two existing as one. But one positive thing I’ve found is that I’ve learned so much about myself even through the negatives. I’ve been exposed to my unhealthy habits and how I respond to certain situations, but I’ve also learned that I am good at communicating and that I am conscientious of others. Being forced to be around my family constantly has, in turn, given me a social lens that I lacked before. Their constant presence around me keeps me accountable and forces me to confront my bad habits, especially since the angsty teen days where I’d retreat to my room to be alone are long gone.

In order to keep the peace in an already fragile ecosystem, everyone must pitch in and be willing to compromise. 

Since quarantine started, I see an article every week discussing how CoronaVirus is putting a significant strain on relationships and marriages all over the world. I’m not surprised because this just seems like an obvious statement. You’re being forced to stay inside all the time with the same person or people, with no respite. Of course, there would be repercussions, but it seems that there is one obvious, universal truth to each of those articles. Coexisting takes work, and it demands open and honest communication. Without an open and consistent dialogue, the success rate of living peacefully with anyone is low. 

I’d like to hear your thoughts and experiences on how your relationships have been affected during Covid-19. I’m curious to hear about others’ experiences dealing with similar issues. How have your relationships changed?