Couples around the world are being impacted by this challenging time. According to surveys we conducted recently, here are just a few examples of how people are reacting to sheltering in place:
- Some love it. They enjoy having more time together and a slower pace. “We are really getting to know each other better.”
- New couples decided to quarantine together and moved in hardly knowing each other. They’re finding out quickly whether they’re compatible or not.
- Divorce filings increased in Wuhan and New York.
- Domestic Violence hotlines are busier than ever. The rate of calls to the suicide and help hotline in Los Angeles went up more than 8,000%.
- In our own informal research therapists report couples struggling with too much time with their spouses and kids.
- Dinner not cleaned up until midnight
- Laundry on the floor for days
- Kids’ toys not picked up
- Chores left for whoever gets sick of it first
- Loud music, talking, “will I ever get some quiet?!”
- Chewing gum or loud mouth noises
- Constant interruptions of work time and space
- Kids’ needs increasing
- Disparate standards of cleanliness and safety protection
- Very different levels of caution
- Who can go out, come in, where is okay to go
- Complexity of these issues not discussed well
- Loss of jobs and income
- Business future uncertain
- Death of a friend or family member
- Postponed or even cancelled graduations, weddings, funerals, family reunions