Staying together during the pandemic has been a challenge for many couples, especially remarried ones. Physical closeness doesn’t always mean emotional connection, and the strain of quarantine can reveal cracks in relationships. With stress running high, it’s more important than ever to focus on communication, shared goals, and small daily efforts to keep the relationship strong. Let’s explore how remarried couples—and all couples—can strengthen their bond during these uncertain times.
Facing Physical Closeness with Emotional Distance
Quarantine brings couples closer physically, but it doesn’t guarantee emotional connection. Many remarried couples face challenges because of past experiences that shape current expectations. Previous marriages may leave emotional gaps that become more noticeable in confined spaces.
Bridging these emotional gaps requires intentional actions. Start by acknowledging the disconnect and taking small steps to close the distance. Spend quality time together without distractions, like phones or TV. Focus on activities that promote genuine interaction. Couples need to invest in emotional closeness as much as they do in physical proximity.
Open and Honest Communication
Clear communication remains essential for all couples, but it’s especially critical for remarried ones. Many remarried individuals bring emotional baggage from previous relationships, making transparency even more important. Use this time to speak openly about your concerns, goals, and feelings.
Set aside dedicated time each day to talk. Don’t wait for perfect moments—create them. Tackle difficult subjects instead of avoiding them. Regular conversations about sensitive topics can reduce emotional tension. Failing to address underlying issues can lead to further strain, no matter how much time you spend together.
Stay Together during the Pandemic: Defining Shared Goals as a Couple
Working together on shared goals strengthens your bond. Couples who know what they want for their future find it easier to stay united during tough times. For remarried couples, aligning visions may require more effort due to different life experiences and expectations. However, defining these goals gives your relationship direction.
Discuss what you want to achieve as a team. Whether it’s financial goals, family plans, or personal milestones, ensure you’re both on the same page. Setting goals like building a dream home or preparing for retirement keeps you both focused. These shared aspirations provide a sense of purpose and help you weather challenges together.
Dealing with External Stress Together
The pandemic introduces new external pressures, including job loss, financial instability, and health concerns. These stresses can easily cause tension in a marriage if left unaddressed. Instead of letting external problems drive a wedge between you, tackle them as a team.
Remarried couples have a unique advantage—they’ve often faced hardships before. Use your past experiences to navigate current challenges with greater resilience. Talk about what worked (and what didn’t) in previous relationships and use those lessons to strengthen your current partnership. Facing stress together helps build trust and reinforces your commitment to each other.
Stay Together During the Pandemic: Setting Boundaries for Personal Space and Time
Carving out personal time, even during quarantine, is crucial for your well-being. Spending every moment together can lead to burnout and frustration, which is why creating healthy boundaries matters. Giving each other space allows you to recharge and reflect, ensuring your interactions remain positive and meaningful.
Healthy boundaries start with clear communication. Discuss your needs for personal time and agree on when and how to take breaks from each other. Personal space doesn’t mean isolation; it’s about allowing yourself time to engage in activities that bring you peace. Whether it’s reading a book, exercising, or just taking a walk, personal time helps maintain emotional balance.
Balancing togetherness and individual needs takes effort, especially when there’s baggage from previous relationships. Remarried couples often bring unresolved issues into their new relationships. Acknowledge that both of you need time to manage these feelings independently, without feeling guilty about needing space.
Stay Together during the Pandemic: Strengthening Bonds Through Intentional Actions
Strengthening your relationship requires deliberate efforts. Spending more time together doesn’t automatically mean the relationship will improve. Instead, plan intentional activities that deepen your connection. Consider setting up regular date nights, even at home. Cook a special meal together or watch a movie you both love.
Small gestures can have a big impact. Leave notes for each other, offer compliments, or do something unexpected that shows appreciation. Daily acts of kindness keep emotional intimacy alive. When couples focus on these gestures, they build a deeper bond over time.
Remarried couples should make a conscious effort to strengthen their relationship daily. Previous marriages may have left scars, but using this time to reconnect helps heal those wounds. Take small, meaningful steps every day to invest in each other. It’s not just about surviving quarantine; it’s about thriving as a couple.
Staying Committed to the Long-Term Vision
Remarried couples should focus on the long-term success of their marriage, not just the immediate struggles. Temporary difficulties, like those caused by the pandemic, can feel overwhelming. However, keeping your eyes on the future helps maintain a positive perspective. This marriage offers you a fresh start, and working through current issues brings you closer to long-term goals.
Having a shared vision strengthens your commitment. Talk about your future together. Discuss retirement plans, personal milestones, or even future vacations. These goals remind you of what you’re working toward as a team. When both partners remain focused on the bigger picture, smaller setbacks become more manageable.
Marriage comes with its share of challenges. Remarried couples may experience unique setbacks, but staying committed to the vision you both share ensures that you’re working toward something meaningful. Setbacks aren’t permanent—they’re just part of the journey toward a stronger relationship.
Conclusion
Communication, shared goals, teamwork, and intentionality are key to staying together during difficult times. Remarried and all couples can use this time to build stronger, more resilient relationships. Focus on growth, not just survival. Quarantine offers an opportunity to strengthen the foundation of your marriage and set the stage for long-term happiness. Take this time to invest in your partnership and come out stronger on the other side.
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Bryan Fagan, a native of Atascocita, Texas, is a dedicated family law attorney inspired by John Grisham’s “The Pelican Brief.” He is the first lawyer in his family, which includes two adopted brothers. Bryan’s commitment to family is personal and professional; he cared for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s while completing his degree and attended the South Texas College of Law at night.
Married with three children, Bryan’s personal experiences enrich his understanding of family dynamics, which is central to his legal practice. He specializes in family law, offering innovative and efficient legal services. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, Bryan is part of an elite group of legal professionals committed to ongoing education and high-level expertise.
His legal practice covers divorce, custody disputes, property disputes, adoption, paternity, and mediation. Bryan is also experienced in drafting marital property agreements. He leads a team dedicated to complex family law cases and protecting families from false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is active in the Houston Family Law Sector of the Houston Bar Association and various family law groups in Texas. His deep understanding of family values and his professional dedication make him a compassionate advocate for families navigating Texas family law.
