How you decide to navigate any issues that come up in your new relationship will depend on your relationship and personal circumstances.
Check in with each other about how you’re feeling about the concern you have, and to talk through what this means to you emotionally and practically. On the plus side, any challenges that come up will be a good test for your new relationship. You’ll find out some important things about your partner, like how they are in a crisis, whether they are supportive and perhaps what some of their biggest fears and hopes are.
We’ve put together some tips and advice for keeping your new relationship strong in testing times:
If you’re living apart
- Even if you’re not in the same house, it’s an opportunity to get to know each other better and have some deeper conversations. Dating over video call, maybe with a glass of wine, will be a good chance to have some really fun chats, undistracted from anything else.
- Introducing your partner to some group chats/quizzes/games on Zoom or Houseparty could be a good way to hang out and take the pressure off you to do 1-2-1 chats.
- Reading to each other is a really nice way to do something intimate and sensual without the expectation that you’re going to come up with any hilarious or fascinating insights yourself. Try short stories, funny books, or blogs that will take your mind off events.
- Some people are better at texting/communicating online than others. If you’re feeling like the traffic is all one way, perhaps agree on a time each day that you’ll have a chat, rather than fixating about when your partner will reply.
Moving in together
- This is a time when you will be able to see how compatible you are as cohabitees. Do cut your partner some slack if they are moving in with you, as they are getting used to how you both work together and maybe more stressed than usual.
- Sit down and talk about what kind of person you are. Messy or tidy? Work in silence or with music? The more you can plan your behaviour in advance, the fewer awkward chats or arguments there will be.
- When you’re not working, be creative about how you use your leisure time together. Could you volunteer for a charity? Could you work on a creative project together? Maybe something simple like decorating your window for the neighbourhood to enjoy.
- Give each other space. Even if you’re just sitting in different rooms or doing your daily exercise, you’re both going to need an hour to yourself to take the pressure off whatever the day throws at you. But do come back together at the end of the day and talk about what’s happening for you.
If you are struggling with any aspect of your new life together, we can help. Call us today or book an appointment.