Written By: Tosin Ajogbeje Date: 23/06/20
Romance is dwindling as some would say. Resentment for human connection is becoming a firm reality. Now that people have been told to stay two metres apart from each other to avoid getting infected with coronovirus, it makes it challenging to make new chums. According to a Harvard review, couples who are locked up by COVID-19 are finally able to spend more time together. Some other couples are currently waking up to a truism- maybe all that glitters is not gold. What do I mean? Some are recognizing the drawback in having too much of a good thing. Deciding whether someone is good for you or not has surely crossed our minds, especially now that we are all isolated. While staying home with your lady or guy 24/7, it is easy to notice every little thing. From making monotonous phone calls and the frivolous drama that often comes up, everything becomes irritating. People have told me how this is the most time they have spent with family or roommates, and that it drives them crazy. Fights and arguments arise like it’s the new way to personally bond.
However, I should say that this “very unusual and isolated moment” will test all relationships. No relationship is perfect, but I believe any great relationship can work through long distance or closeness. Notions about living the single life have been further examined. Many single people are presently considering online dating or questioning whether they‘ll ever date again. Well, research claims that many people are still “very much” dating and using dating apps like Bumble and Tinder to chat and make fancy video calls.
With increased stress around life, challenges like finances, job loss and childcare, living together can be disheartening. If couples acknowledge the importance of “romantic competence” by having clear insight, mutual understanding and emotional regulation skills, maybe things could just work out. Research claims that couples need to focus on their individual needs and have a mutual understanding to communicate their needs to avoid blaming each other. Understanding each other this way will help control one’s emotions and create a comfortable space to spill out imbalances in the relationship. Feeling angry and nervous is quite expected, and it is important we all know how to manage them.
As relationships continue to get strained, domestic violence has risen to a whole new level. Singing the hymns of love during a pandemic can be exhausting. Things are also getting worse for domestic violence victims as they are at a higher risk. Most domestic violence victims who are social distancing and isolating with their abusers are forced to endure the abuse. Intimate Partner Violence(IPV) has become a global concern. It makes it “more isolating” for domestic violence victims when they can’t connect with friends and families or outsiders. Most times, normalization of abuse results from social isolation, and for this reason victims mentally rely on their abusers for solace.
Today, it is safe to say that we need to make time to connect with loved-ones and pals through innovative ways. It’s a good thing that advocates are addressing domestic violence issues around the world, and that people are also re-evaluating what love truly is. As we continue to self-quarantine, it is okay to freely reflect and communicate what we feel, so that we can all find a common ground to invest in love.
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