While we're all excited for lockdown to lift, it may have more benefits for those who are single, compared to those in relationships. With clubs set to reopen, going "out out" is back on the agenda, along with kissing (vaccinated) strangers and, the return of the sorely missed one-night-stand.
But how will this affect people in relationships? Particularly those who found love during lockdown and/or moved in together during the pandemic? Think about how many Love Island couples don't make it on "the outside" - are we about to experience a similar influx of break ups now that we're allowed back outside too?
How to find yours (and your partners).
According to Dr Jacqui Gabb, Chief Relationships Officer at Paired, it's pretty much inevitable that coming out of lockdown will be a testing time for couples because, "relationships will need to be recalibrated."
This means that, "routines established over lockdown may unravel. The work-home life scales will take some time to settle down and may not ever return to their previous balance."
Today is known as 'divorce day’ due to the number of couples breaking up post-Christmas.
"This may be positive or it may present challenges. It depends on how adaptable the couple are to change. It is vital that couples continue to make time to communicate and work daily on their relationships and our research has clearly demonstrated that technology can be highly effective in making this happen."
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Worried if this sounds like you and your partner? Here are Here are Gabb's top tips for couples to survive (and thrive) as we come out of lockdown:
Use the time to recalibrate your relationship clock: Embrace the changes as best you can and agree on a new equilibrium, together
Invest in shared interests: Chose one new interest that you can both pursue together
Set one new shared goal/ ambition
Evolution rather than revolution is key: Ensure you take small steps as your relationship changes
Dating expert, Sarah Louise Ryan adds:
"If the foundations of a relationship are strong and the elements of trust, respect and love are there then the introducing of family, friends and a new found freedom shouldn’t be something to worry about.
