Full disclosure: I feel incredibly lucky to be quarantining with my fiancé during the global health crisis, especially because so many other couples find themselves in a long-distance relationship and are struggling to make it work. That said, there are some things you learn about your partner when you’re at home with them for long periods of time like this, and they aren’t always good.
- They’re not going anywhere. Your partner isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, if you haven’t already realized this. When you’re so used to having time away from your other half, whether because you usually live apart or purely while you’re working, it can be difficult to adjust to a life where he’s constantly in your pocket.
- You can’t get away from them. Because neither of you are going anywhere, you’re currently unable to get away from each other and this is hard. Sometimes we all need our own personal space, which is especially true when you’ve been arguing about who’s turn it is to put the dishwasher on, for example. (Hey, we’ve all been there!) But you’re not getting any respite from the situation and it sucks.
- They have no patience and neither do you. Because you can’t get away from your partner right now and you’re spending so much time together compared to usual, this can cause small disagreements to blow up into big conflicts—and fast. After all, times are tough. The future looks bleak. There’s not much to look forward to. This leads you to have no patience with each other. Some might say that this is a recipe for disaster!
- They’re needy. As you’re spending practically every minute of every day with your partner, you’ve probably realized just how much they depend on you. From washing the dishes to cleaning the living room, cooking a meal to finding a show to watch on Netflix, there’s always something they want you to help them with and it can feel exhausting at times. (I mean, dude, are you my child or my other half?!)
- They require constant attention. Gone are the days where you could have a cozy night in with yourself and do whatever it is you do to relax. Now, you have to factor your partner into everything you do and are likely to be neglecting yourself as a result. Goodbye, daily hot bubble baths, DIY manicures, and face masks. Sob.
- They have bad habits. From burping to farting, cracking their knuckles to picking their nails, people can be so irritating, can’t they? Sure, we all have our bad habits, but I bet you’ve never noticed just how gross your partner was until you were quarantined together. Eww.
- They’re lazy with his appearance. Similarly, because there’s nowhere to go to, perhaps your partner has become super lazy with his shaving habits or is happy to stay in his pajamas all day. As a result, maybe you’re feeling less attracted to them. If so, I guarantee you won’t be the only one.
- They’re messy. Let’s face it, guys can be very messy and/or dirty, and I bet your partner is no exception. In fact, they’re probably been even messier and/or dirtier in lockdown because of non-existent motivation levels—and you’re having to pick up the slack. Three words: frustrating.
- They’re not very considerate. If your partner is playing music at 11 p.m. when you’re trying to wind down for bed, doesn’t let you know they’re going on an important Zoom call (and shouts at you when they can hear you hoovering in the background), or has left all of their beard hair in the sink, I feel you. They can be incredibly inconsiderate, can’t they? Even if you’re both furloughed or unable to work for whatever reason, it’s no excuse. There are two people living in your house, not one.
- They don’t listen. Finally, you’re probably learning just how little your partner listens to you when you’re together all the time in self-isolation. In fact, I’m guessing you have to repeat yourself a bunch of times? Cue argument number 3,534. That said, take a deep breath and try to think positively. This is a temporary situation that you won’t be in forever. And when you do look back, I bet you’ll feel glad that your partner was there right next to you to support you throughout such a challenging period.