The Couples On Lockdown

Living in self-isolation is putting millions of relationships under strain, so how do you survive being with your partner 24/7?

- Anna Matheson

As the world continues to deal with the fallout of the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, life has slowed almost to a stop. The knock-on effect of enforced isolation and closed schools, public spaces and borders to curb the spread, has led to devastating job losses, mandatory unpaid leave, struggling businesses and cancelled holidays.

A network of key workers are keeping the country going, with the NHS at the beating heart, while the rest responsibly protect our elderly, vulnerable and sick through self-isolation and social distancing. Our job is to do nothing, go-nowhere and see no-one, which sounds pretty simple – especially if it helps to stop the frightening death toll rising.

Yet, for millions, that means spending exceptional periods of time at home, alongside partners and children, trying to juggle work, childcare, and chores. Family and working life have collided to become a 24/7 activity, mostly spent between the same four walls. So, as we navigate this unprecedented time of great uncertainty, how do we keep our tempers from erupting and our relationships intact?

Woman speaks to Thea Paraskevaides, who has spent the last decade working in close proximity to her husband, Tim.

‘IT MADE OUR RELATIONSHIP STRONGER’

Thea Paraskevaides, 33, lives in Sussex with her husband, Tim, 36. Together, they run Beaumont Music, producing fashion accessories for musicians.