- As the world continues to heal and slowly find its way to a “new normal”, you may be finding it harder and harder to cope with the struggles that come with the pandemic. Isolation from friends, family, and your favorite co-worker are more than likely taking its toll, though for some of you it might be getting tougher to maintain your relationships with the one you have been isolating WITH. Namely, your partner. As a St. Pete couples therapist, I hear this a lot.
Couples in Florida are having a hard time figuring this out. You are not alone.
While there was probably a time when nothing seemed more idyllic than spending every moment together, it might not have ended up being exactly as you had imagined while being quarantined with them. In these times, it’s crucial to give extra attention to nurturing your romantic relationships to avoid letting them become collateral damage. While your favorite restaurants, bars, and movie theaters might remain closed and your readiness to go out into the world might not be there just yet, there are ways to enjoy date nights in a way that is quarantine friendly.
Here are 6 ideas from your St. Pete couples therapist!
Get Moving, As a Couple
Even for the most dedicated homebody, having to stay inside for the past couple of months has most likely been a challenge physically and emotionally. Getting out of the house here and there for some sunlight and fresh air can do wonders for your body as well as your mental well-being, and having your partner come along can help make it even more enjoyable. A fun and easy date night can be had by picking an area that you love, or maybe an area you don’t get to go to very often, and taking a walk through it with your partner. Whether it be along Tampa’s Riverwalk, Beach Drive in downtown St. Pete, or even the next neighborhood over from you, a nice long cell phone-free (if possible) walk can help you and your partner reconnect.
Get Creative: Making On-Demand Entertainment a Little More Special
While movie theaters remain closed, or you simply don’t feel comfortable going out in public places just yet, I invite you to get creative. In a time where Netflix and On-Demand are available, new movies are always at your fingertips. Usually at little to no cost! Make movie night for you and your partner extra special by popping some popcorn, lighting some candles, making your favorite drinks, and cuddling up under your coziest blanket! You may not have surround sound in your home, but you do get the entire theater to yourselves!
Mix it Up: In the Kitchen!
Food has always been one of the most popular ways to bring people together, especially on a romantic level. Lately, this might be becoming more and more of a challenge as you are unable or unwilling to go out to your favorite restaurants. Why not use this as an excuse to try to make some of your favorite restaurant dishes at home? Cooking with your partner and enjoying the fruits of your combined labors are a really fun way to learn something new together, and you’ll be able to use the recipe again in the future. Or even show it off at your next party with friends (when it’s safe to do so again!)
Explore the World’s Greatest, While Snuggling on Your Couch
Did you know that museums, art galleries, and even famous landmarks around the world now have virtual tours? With all of the travel restrictions currently put in place, many of you have had to cancel planned trips, but this doesn’t mean you can’t still explore the world from the safety of your homes! Talk to your partner and decide on places the two of you would like to visit and get online to find what’s available for you, there’s more out there than you possibly thought. (Egypt anyone?)
Dream Big! Plan it Out as a Couple
Even though your travel plans have been put on hold, it doesn’t mean you can’t look to the future and begin planning where you would like to go next! Spend an evening with your partner discussing your dream vacations. Would you drive or fly? In your state or out of the country? Would you want it to be more relaxation or adventure-driven? While the future right now might seem uncertain or scary, it’s important to have things to look forward to, and vacation could be one of those events. Learning more about your partner’s dream vacation can also help you learn even more about them and stir up conversations that you’ve never had before.
Create a Home Spa to Connect
Lastly, connecting on a physical level is a significant component in a lot of relationships. Depending on your and your partner’s comfort with physical touch, massages can be a great way to connect with and soothe your partner of some of the stress you’ve been feeling lately. Dedicate a night to turning your home into your personal spa. Fill the tub, light some candles, turn on some music, and take turns giving and receiving massages. Be sure to listen to your partner and touch only where they feel comfortable.
Your St. Pete Couples Therapist Can Help You, Too. Online Couples Therapy in Florida is Here!
There are many ways you can maintain or re-ignite the romantic flame in your relationships with quarantine-friendly date nights. The world might seem unfamiliar and intimidating right now, but finding ways to bond and grow your relationship with your partner can be a great way to ground yourself and alleviate some stress. And if you are looking for more support with couples therapy in these areas and others that are important to your relationship seeing a St. Pete couples therapist may be just the thing to get you to your best, most connected, and loving relationship.
Ready to Start Couples Therapy in St. Petersburg, FL?
Getting your relationship on track is easier than most of the things we’re all doing right now! Relationship therapy does not have to wait. You can get the mental health support you need with a skilled couples therapist in St. Pete or with online therapy in Florida. To begin, just follow these simple steps:
- Contact us to request an appointment
- Meet with one of our couples and marriage therapists
- Get support & begin your journey toward mental wellness & connection today!
Other Mental Health and Wellness Services at ME-Therapy
Therapy can take many forms. At our St. Petersburg therapy & wellness clinic, we want to will help your mind but also want to feed your soul. This means our therapists and wellness team take a holistic approach to your wellbeing. In order to do this, our therapists offer individual therapy for women, therapy for men, trauma therapy, therapy for anxiety, art therapy and holistic, spiritual therapy. In addition to standard marriage counseling & couples therapy, our relationship therapists also provide sex therapy, affair recovery counseling and poly-friendly kink aware therapy.
All of these services can be provided in-person at our St. Petersburg, FL counseling clinic or anywhere in the state with online therapy in Florida. If you have any questions about therapy, please visit our FAQ page! Also, you may consider reading more of our blog posts to get to know us a bit better. Finally, thank you for allowing ME-Therapy to be a part of your life journey!
