I know that you will probably have seen a lot of information over the past few days outlining the resources which are available to you to help you through the current Level 5 restriction period and beyond. Nevertheless, I thought I would write to you, our readers, to discuss any potential anxieties you might hold over what the coming weeks may bring for your relationships.

 

I think that the majority of us would agree that the most important relationship in our lives is the one which we have with ourselves. Make sure to check in with yourself over the coming weeks; ask yourself if anything is troubling you, and, if something is, think about the ways you might help yourself to alleviate these feelings of distress. If a project or deadline is worrying you, try the old trick of breaking large tasks into smaller checklist items. If you’re finding yourself overwhelmed by the national or international situation, maybe consider turning your phone, TV, and laptop off for the night. You could treat yourself to a takeaway and a good book, try your hand at some painting or baking — or just run a nice, warm bubble bath.

 

Sometimes you may need to reach out to others for help. In some situations, a simple cup of tea and virtual catch-up with your friends might alleviate your anxieties. In others, you might want to reach out to someone outside of your social circle. There are many resources and organisations which can help you through whatever it is that you’re dealing with:

 

• Student Counselling Services –
  The college-based services are continuing to operate over phone and video call. They also run a number of anxiety and stress-related online support programmes.
  https://www.tcd.ie/Student_Counselling/

 

• Niteline –
  The Dublin-based service is continuing to run online listening supports every night of term between 8:30pm and 12:30 am. https://niteline.ie/

 

• Dublin Samaritans –
  The listening service is available for free 24/7 by calling 116 123.

 

Being content in ourselves helps us to interact positively with others, which can help us to be more content in ourselves. Ensure that you continue to make time for friends. Just because you’re suddenly not socialising in-person, doesn’t mean that you won’t continue to benefit from connecting with others. By spending time with loved ones, you’re helping not only yourself, but them, too.

 

 

If you are currently single and looking to date, do not think of the current health directives as impeding the development of your love life. Use this period as an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with yourself. Take the time to deal with anything that is troubling you, get to know yourself on a deeper level, and find new ways to enjoy your own company. It is harder to know what you want or need from a relationship if you do not know what you want or need more generally.

If  you want to, continue to use dating apps or text potential love interests, but, check with yourself that your actions are making you feel more connected to others, rather than more lonely. Remember that mainstream dating apps aren’t the only way to get to know new people during this time:  try an online class or activity, or reach out to someone that you’ve also wanted to speak to.

 

 

 

If you’re in a couple, it is important to continue to do things together, even if you are physically apart. When we found ourselves in lockdown during the spring, we, here at TN2, published an article on ways you can still spend quality time with your S/O whilst adhering to Covid-19 restrictions which you might use for inspiration:

 

https://www.tn2magazine.ie/corona-romance-and-long-distance-dating/

 

 

If you’re in a new relationship and worried about what time apart might mean for your burgeoning love-connection, don’t panic! Simply communicate with your partner about how you feel – if they’re worth your time, they’ll do their best to make you feel as secure as possible about your physical distance.

 

 

It is perfectly okay if you are currently with the same person you were at the start of the year, but still feeling anxious about additional separation. Try to remind yourself and your partner that your relationship made it through the spring, and that you are strong enough to make it through whatever the winter holds. If the current restrictions have caused you to consider anything to do with your relationship from a new perspective, take the time to evaluate what this might mean for you both in the long-term and the short. This period allows us to really make time for reflection, and to think about communication much more consciously.

 

 

If you and your partner are continuing to engage in a physical relationship during this period, there are resources which may help answer your questions about how to do this safely.

https://www.sexualwellbeing.ie/sexual-health/sex-and-coronavirus/

It is important to consider any Covid-related precautions as well as your typical safe-sex practice.

 

I guess all that remains to be said, is that we are all in this together, whether or not we are physically distanced. I know that this mantra may be a touch over-used by now, but I do think it’s a fairly appropriate adage for a Sex and Relationships section, so, forgive me!

 

Wishing you all the best.

 

P.S. If you are looking for a lovely way to treat yourself this evening, or at any other time, I HIGHLY recommend Netflix’s Sweet Magnolias and Virgin River in terms of romance-related content!