Why isolation might actually be great for your relationship

For most couples, there is usually time each day when you’re not in each others’ company. Whether you work in different places, or spend time with friends, it’s rare that you’d be together 24/7.

However, during coronavirus lockdown, many couples are now doing just that. From waking up to sundown, they are in the same building. Even if there’s a garden or it’s a large house, you are now together all the time.

Presenter and DJ Mark Wright revealed that he’s enjoying lockdown as he and wife, actor Michelle Keegan, are often normally in different time zones.

Mark told The Sun newspaper: “After years of having a long-distance relationship, I’m now locked up with the girl of my dreams. We used to spend all our time on FaceTime calls and talking for hours on the phone in different time zones, but now we are together every minute of the day.

“It’s nice to just sit together in the evening in front of the TV without having to worry about rushing off. That time is important as a couple — just being together.”

So, here’s why being in isolation as a twosome can be good for your relationship.

Cooking and baking together is cute

Mark says Michelle is making lots of banana bread – which appears to be ‘the’ cake of the virus lockdown.

If you often cook for one because your partner is out in the evenings, working a different shift pattern or is away for work, suddenly there’s the chance to cook together or prepare them a romantic meal.

You get to discover ‘their’ TV

Just like Wright and Keegan, it’s likely you’re watching more TV together. And that means you are learning about their TV habits.

Did you know that your work from home partner likes that lunchtime DIY show? You do now! And you discover that their guilty pleasure film download isn’t the action films they like at the cinema, it’s Bridget Jones’ Diary.

You see the ‘real’ each of you

No make-up? Athleisure? Yep, you’re ‘back to basics’ you and that can be really good for your relationship. Sure, you might like to get dolled up with you and go out on the town, but scruffy-haired is the ‘real’ you and that can be even more attractive.

Housework becomes LOLs

Yes, it sounds odd,  as doing housework can be a chore. When you’re stuck at home together, it might actually turn out fun.

Bear with us… we’re talking about finding those ‘cocktails in a can’ on the back of the bottom shelf – which means that when chores are done you’ve got cocktail hour together.

You realise they are really family orientated

And that’s very endearing. Being around your spouse or partner 24/7 means you know whenever they’re on the phone to their parents or grandparents.

Working out together can spur you on

Now you’re both at home, you can bond over fitness, too. You might have gone to the gym alone, but now it’s a case of doing a workout together.

Wright and Keegan are both into keeping in shape, and you’ll need to encourage each other along if you’re going to work off all that banana bread.