3 relationship tips for dealing with COVID-19

By Lavern Nissley

In my 62 years I've seen only a handful of epic events that are in the category of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Where pretty much every news story is about the big topic. Kennedy's assassination in 1963 and 9/11 in 2001 both had that intense emotional feel about them. I vividly remember exactly where I was when first hearing the news.

COVID-19 has been longer in developing as a story; it wasn't sudden like the 1963 and 2001 events. However, it has captured worldwide attention and a sense of penetrating personal relevance.

Are there any helpful ways to ensure that our relationships aren't damaged, or better yet, grow stronger?

I've been listening with gratitude to many wise voices over the past week: health experts, government officials, clergy and friends. The most common theme in helpful advice is to stay informed while taking common sense precautions like washing hands often and maintaining social distance. Good nutrition, exercise and sleep all add to one's overall immunity against disease.

But what about the impact that stressful demands put upon marriage and family relationships? Are there any ways to mitigate apprehensions related to business and school closings, income loss and cabin fever? Here are 3 phrases that can represent hope in the midst of chaos and uncertainty:

• "We're in this together." Sometime incredible challenges brings out the best in people, especially if they work together. Recent disasters in Dayton actually catalyzed some pretty amazing relief efforts. Those participating (many of them families) felt the exhilaration of community service rarely experienced when things are all going smoothly.
• "How are you doing/feeling?" It's healthy to express how we're doing/feeling. In fact, I'm attaching an excellent resource we've used over the years to help people find just that right feeling or emotion that is on the front burner of their lives. Can you identify with any of the emotions in the 3 yellow categories? We may not be able to do much more than listen, but it connects loved ones together when we show interest in each other's well-being.

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Now these phrases certainly won't fight the spread of COVID-19 or remedy all of the financial downstream effects. But they will fight the spread of hopeless alienation and despair. And that's a pandemic we can live without.