COVID-19 and your relationship

The new Corona Virus is the leading story across the globe. There have been major changes in the U.S. and around the world to life as we have known it. We are looking at a new normal indeed. Schools, restaurants, small businesses and sporting and entertainment venues have all closed indefinitely.

Socially, people in the U.S. who typically do not have close contact with others anyway, like the elderly or those with physical limitations, are now even more isolated.

The most notable change is that now many couples who are not usually at home with each other are having to spend more time together. Yes, they may be working but they are in closer proximity with each other than usual. How does this help or hurt their relationship?

If you have followed me on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fti9kRxK57g&t=79s, you know that I have been stressing positive communication particularly with your spouse or significant other with the goal of not so much changing the other but one's self. To communicate positively requires a heart change. It requires you to remember the love that brought you into the relationship in the first place. Is it easy? No!! Is it possible? Yes! Here's how:

1. Count your blessings. Remind yourself of how this person in your life has blessed you in the past and now.

2. Be the best partner that you can be. You have to be the change that you want to see in someone else.

3. Be mindful of small courtesies that you can do.

4. Be mindful of small courtesies that you receive.

5. Say "thank you" as often as you can for the things that you experience in #3 and #4.

6. Pray together. Praying for each other and with each other is the power that can make the positive efforts pay off.