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    In the current situation where the COVID-19 virus is spreading, most shops have to close temporarily, and many people are staying at home and working from home to help mitigate the virus's spread. Naturally, the sudden change in lifestyle, the anxiety surrounding the pandemic, and the uncertainty about what the future holds have all contributed to increased stress, leading to conflicts within families. This is as concerning as the illness caused by the virus itself. Here are some guidelines to help ease the burden on couples during COVID.  <\/p>

1. Clearly Discuss Household Responsibilities<\/p>

As all family members suddenly have to change their daily routines and stay home all day, couples must take on multiple roles, including working from home, doing household chores, and caring for children. The fact that kids can't go outside adds to the frustration, making them harder to manage. Therefore, it's crucial to have discussions to clearly define and agree on household responsibilities, such as who will do the chores, who will cook, and when each person will work from home and take turns caring for the children. Even in normal circumstances, dividing responsibilities is important, but during these stressful times, with multiple burdens hitting at once and constant togetherness, it significantly affects the fragile emotions of both partners, who may explode over minor irritations. Clear communication about responsibilities and adhering to those agreements can help reduce conflicts.

2. Allow Personal Time for Each Other<\/p>

Normally, individuals spend at least 10 hours a day outside the home interacting with others, but now they are confined to the house. If the home isn't spacious, it can feel like being stuck together 24/7, which may lead to irritability due to the lack of personal space and time. For this reason, relationship experts recommend that couples respect each other's personal time. Spending just 5-10 minutes each day in a quiet corner of the house can help each person relieve stress and regain emotional balance to manage daily life better. 

3. Create a Positive Atmosphere at Home<\/p>

Amidst the stressful news, it's essential to limit exposure to negative information that can affect the household's mood. Especially for families with children, seeing parents constantly watching the news with worried expressions can make kids feel anxious too. Instead of following the news all day, try to find time to do something new to brighten the atmosphere at home, such as playing favorite songs, watching a movie that you both enjoyed on your first date, or looking at old photos from when you were dating. A positive atmosphere at home can uplift everyone's spirits and reduce the likelihood of arguments.  <\/p>

4. Appreciate the Good Things You Do for Each Other<\/p>

During these challenging times, facing unseen threats and rapidly changing situations can lead to panic, causing us to say things that may upset our partners. Instead of reacting this way, try to calm your mind and focus on the small positive details about your partner that you might have overlooked due to familiarity, such as their coffee-making skills, their thoroughness in cleaning every corner of the house, or their habit of checking the door locks every night. Acknowledging and expressing gratitude for the good things each of you does for one another, even if they seem small, can greatly encourage your partner and lead to a healthier long-term relationship.

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References<\/p>

www.time.com<\/a>
www.edition.cnn.com<\/a>
www.abc.net.au<\/a><\/p>

SOURCE : www.scb.co.th<\/a><\/p>