Actors Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet recently shared the news of their divorce after 16 years together and two children. While splits among celebrities are hardly rare, their statements about their uncoupling seem to indicate that maintaining a healthy marriage amid a global pandemic was a stressor they could not overcome. They are not alone. Quantity time has taken over for quality time, and that reality is wrecking relationships far and wide.
When the Novelty of Togetherness Wears Off
We are entering the third year of the pandemic, a reality that no one thought could possibly last this long. That first lockdown seemed like it could be enough to eradicate the health crisis that was going on. Couples and families enthusiastically hunkered down together, hoarding toilet paper and coming up with games to play and activities to keep them busy when they got bored of the usual and each other.
Soon enough, though, the novelty of being together all the time, of seeing each other 24/7, got old. As it turns out, most of us need other people and activities in our lives to feel fulfilled and happy. You love your significant other, but if your marriage is a healthy one there are other things that keep you satisfied, not just one other person. When these outside bits of happiness are missing, you start to rely more on each other. For some couples, this constant togetherness enriched their relationship. For others, it tanked their love.
Relationship Problems Caused by Too Much Quantity Time
As it turns out, even filthy rich celebs who have every resource at their fingertips aren’t any more adept than any other couple at making a marriage stick when there is limited alone time or strains like:
- Limited emotional connection: No more date nights or time with just the two of you.
- Lack of physical connection: The kids are all over you and neither of you are ever alone so you keep a distance from each other.
- Lack of sexual connection: Constant family time makes finding alone time for intimacy a challenge.
- Financial strain: You may be saving money by not going out as much but job prospects may have become bleak over the pandemic.
- Kids everywhere: The children have been home for what feels like – and really is – years, with virtual schooling and infrequent playdates, if any.
- Unable to hang out with friends: Limited recreational activities, opportunities, and connections doesn’t fill all your tanks and you look to your spouse for fulfillment he or she is not conditioned to provide.
- Working from home: If you are lucky enough to have a job that lets you work from home, that may not be your comfort zone and weighs on your relationship.
Get a Michigan Divorce Lawyer Near Me
If your marriage hasn’t been able to weather the many unbelievable stresses that the pandemic has created – from illness to fear, anxiety to depression, boredom to togetherness – you may be like thousands of other couples who have finally decided their marriage is over. If they can’t make it through the massive demands of Covid and all it encompasses, they have decided they couldn’t possibly make it through anything else either.
Contact Michigan Divorce Help in Macomb County, Michigan, if you are ready to talk divorce. We are here to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and support you as you carve out a new way of life for you and your family.