Romance: Quarantine Edition

As we're all 'trapped' inside clinging to our sanity and crumbs of eaten chips consumed out of boredom, we have the opportunity as well to strengthen bonds with the people we live with.... or break ties afterward hahaha.

In all seriousness, a decision must be made and the ultimate vibe of the quarantine can be situated.

My boyfriend was talking to me the other night as I travelled down from dinner with my family to our basement bedroom, with a seemingly large cloud around my head. He could tell my mental health was tanking being with my whole family in the house only a week so far. We have lived with my parents for a year while saving for a house, and it was a constant battle before not being able to leave the house.

He told me I should choose to put these demons I have with my mom to bed, and anyone else in the house while I'm at it. It'd be a great opportunity to.

There are a lot of different situations this epidemic is putting everyone in, being with the people they live with 24/7. I am lucky enough to have said amazing boyfriend that I love to be around and vice versa. I'm sure some of you readers don't feel mutually toward their life currently.

Hold on, you have a support system. Don't be afraid to ask for help, everyone has their hands out now. If you need help please leave a comment and watch as hands raise to hold you.

Before the epidemic, my boyfriend and I were healing from some conflict and learning heathy relationship styles, and this honestly was good timing to truly dive into that and be completely vulnerable. It also has given us a lot of free time during the day, almost too much where you wake up wondering "shit what now?". What was amazing is we both fill up our time with hobbies each day, although some are obviously dedicated truly to bed and movies. We also have taken time out for our romance; when we'd typically go for dinner and a movie we now go for a drive but it seems a drive has become all the more valuable.

When the weather gets warmer we're going to set up a tent and camp in the backyard. I think the key here is being creative with your space, not being afraid to make a mess and clean it up, and being willing to exert some energy to entertain others and yourself. Don't be afraid to be childish during these times, and pick up whatever hobbies possible. I've made some slime, jewelry, drawings and paintings, sunbathed, all the good things.

These months may be a great time to truly foster your relationship with self and others, and it is all up to your mindset.

The biggest thing is being mindful of your partners and your space, and making sure your days are balanced. Form a reasonable routine you can stick to even after normal life returns, I've taken up yoga and crystal work before bed and I'm amazed I never did it before. Manage your money together and help if your partner needs help and you can, this doesn't have to lead to a fight. Couples have endured wartimes and recessions before you, and you can too. The universe or god in on your side, so work with it.

This is also an opportunity also to sharpen your skills, and add new ones. Youtube is a great resource, Skill Share is as well. This is not sponsored, just great recommendations to start any learning journey. Review notes from your education, clean out your storage room, any task that you've been meaning to do but time 'didn't permit it'. We don't have to adhere to the construct of time necessarily ever but shit we can stay up until three am organizing our old girl scout uniforms and your coworkers won't call you out for being unproductive at the now nonexistent eight am board room meeting. This will be super sexy to your partner, believe me. I got attacked viscously after picking up a self help book for an hour last night, score.

Another tip is to clean daily. I personally live with a neat mother and boyfriend and like to be neat myself, so this is self care. The tornados of the family do not aid in this cause. I like to wake up and do my quarantine morning routine then wipe the surfaces down with lysol wipes and do the dishes. It seems to keep the neaties at bay. It truly keeps the order of the house, actually.

Get out of the house with a walk with your partner. It's a good way to keep phones out of the picture for twenty minutes and enjoy the air, you're going to get bed sores clicking 'continue watching' seven times a day, so take a god damn break u freak hehe.

Sex, why not have it a few times a day? I have apparently been limited to once every day, the boyfriend believes this cuts our likelihood of getting pregnant in half, while I'm also on birth control. Trust me when I say he hasn't adhered to that rule so much. This is a form of great exercise, please be careful, but this one is truly the golden nugget to the dirtball this epidemic is. Have lots of sex, and be vulnerable! Pull out that fantasy outfit and make your partners squeal just for kicks. Do it again an hour later. Why not?

Rearrange your bedroom. Making your space feel newer and more comfortable has too obvious of benefits to state. I do this whenever I feel stagnant. Pick your partner up and grunt that bed towards the windows you always thought would wake you up nicely in the morning, make a cozy reading nook in a corner or window seal, bring the coffee maker by the bed so you can wake up and pour a cup in bed, whatever tickles your fancy.

If you have a backyard and like sports, set up a small area to commit to that sport and play during the day. My boyfriend picked up his clubs from our storage unit and made a makeshift golf course he puts around in during the day. If that's not possible, Pinterest is a another awesome resource for cute DIY indoor date ideas, scroll through and get something in the works.

Go out for some me time to your local grocery store, of course with proper precaution, and buy your partners favorite drink without telling them. It's a small gesture but little things count too.

Lastly, take care of yourself above all else. Don't be afraid to get out of bed before your partner to watch the sunrise alone, and set the days mood for yourself. Allow yourself alone time, as much as you want or can get, and do anything you can that is of your regular habits. Remember, you can always wake up and be the person you want to be.