Relationships during the pandemic: How to get out of the rut

Divorce rates are sky-high around the world, and many relationship experts believe this is a result of the current pandemic. It’s not just married couples who are experiencing hard times – Covid breakups have occurred in every age category, long-term relationship or not. Over the last year many relationships have been through hard times. It’s easy for couples to get stuck in a rut in the circumstances, and it’s very hard to come out of it. Hard, but definitely not impossible.

When things have shifted and one feels more distance between them and their partner, it’s time to change things up, and quickly – the sooner, the better. But how does one get a relationship out of a rut when restrictions prevent getting out much? Here are a few tips and tricks.

Spicing things up in the bedroom

Sex isn’t the most important thing in a relationship, but a loss of physical contact and intimacy will have its effect on the feelings between two people, and before they know it, it’ll feel like living with a brother or sister. Being in a relationship rut can be harsh on one’s sex life, which can feel dull in itself. The same sex positions (when there are any), without any sense of surprise or adventure is not a great idea for the collective libido of any couple.

Spicing things up in the bedroom can help love grow: venturing out of the comfort zone can encourage trust and intimacy, and growing together is always fun. Couples can learn more about dildos and surprise their partner with sex toys, and exploring options can be great fun for everyone involved. It might also be an idea to try out some new outfits or create a much more romantic bedroom – lighting some candles, putting on some slow music and taking time can make all the difference. At the end of the day, more fun in the bedroom equals a more fun and interesting relationship.

Making time for deeper conversations

The last year and a half has taken a great toll on everyone, in one way or another. Most importantly, at the moment a social life probably isn’t something most couples are having. Talking with friends, going out for barbecues or just a visit at a local pub… these were things we had taken for granted. Now it’s all gone, so most days look the same. It’s a challenge to get out and make time for deeper conversations than who’s helping the kids today, and who’s going to get the groceries in?

Taking time with a partner for granted is never a good idea, and especially not now. In these difficult days more than ever, it’s essential to make time for deeper conversations. The kids can be tucked in bed early – now is the time to buy some snacks or drinks, lay down the smartphones and just make time for each other, share some personal things and learn more about each other on a deeper level. And if a heavy emotional chat doesn’t appeal, couples can even go back to those bedroom ideas and perhaps browse some titillating new products together (easytoys is a good place to start). In any case, quality time in whatever form can help bust a couple out of a rut.

The editorial unit