How to navigate relationship troubles while living together 24/7 during the coronavirus lockdown

Life in lockdown is challenging for many reasons.

Most of us aren't used to spending so much time at home with a partner.

I've spoken to author, podcaster and relationship counsellor Rachael Blackmore from Gloucester about how to deal with problems during these difficult times.

Rachael's key piece of advice for anyone struggling with a lack of personal space at the moment is to communicate effectively.

Whether you're finding it hard to share a working space at home, trying to juggle home-schooling the children - or both at the same time - Rachael has some valuable tips to help you navigate lockdown in a relationship.

Watch my interview with Rachael below:

Here are some of the things Rachael advises you could do at home to minimise strain on a relationship:

  • Work in separate rooms, if it's possible to do so

  • Understand that your partner will need their personal space - it's not necessarily because of something you have done

  • Don't respond in the heat of the moment - take a step back from the situation before confronting your partner

  • Acknowledge the fact you are both in this together

  • Divide daily tasks, like household chores

If you were experiencing relationship troubles before the coronavirus lockdown, Rachael predicts lockdown could "exacerbate" them.

But, she says, it's important to differentiate between a relationship with pre-existing problems and one that's struggling amidst everything going on at the moment.

Just because you may be experiencing difficulties now, it doesn't mean your relationship isn't meant to be.

If you or someone you know is struggling in a relationship during lockdown, there is support available on the Relate website.

If you need help please contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline or call freephone 24 hour hotline 0808 2000 247.

Refuge are also available to help.