How to prevent arguments during the lockdown

Another lockdown? You can't be serious? That's pure misery for people living together, at least that's how I see it. The previous lockdown almost cost me my relationship and now we have to do it again. Nobody has time for that, right? But well, this lockdown is nowhere near as bad as the last one. And what must be done, must be done. Fortunately, we can still go to the movies and the theater and we can still enjoy the hospitality industry.

Nevertheless, the biggest trigger for conflict at home has returned: working from home. I can't imagine there are couples who can air their grievances 24/7 in the same space. Unfortunately, for many people working from home, this scenario has become a reality again. I also work from home and I'm lucky that my partner is in his restaurant almost daily. During the previous lockdown, this was not the case and we spent a lot of time together at home. Way too much. That's why I know exactly what you working-from-home couples are going through. I'd like to help you out with this handy list to avoid arguments during this lockdown. It has at least helped me (a little).

1. Divide the tasks
This may sound a bit silly, but it will really save you. Being home a lot also means there's a lot of time to make a mess. Make sure your house doesn't become chaotic, because that will make you both grumpy. A tidy house is a tidy mind, so keep it neat. Of course, that doesn't happen by itself. Nobody wants to take on the household chores alone, so it's better to divide the tasks. For example, you can do the grocery shopping and let your partner vacuum, and vice versa. Because we certainly don't want to argue about who takes on the ‘funniest’ tasks. Everything in good consultation.

2. Get into nature
This current lockdown brings a lot of stress with it. A walk in nature can help reduce pain and negative emotions such as anger, fatigue, and sadness. We could really use that in this hopeless time. So go enjoy the forest or the beach. You're also getting some ‘exercise’: killing two birds with one stone.

3. Exercise
Whether you're going for a run, doing a workout at home, or going to the gym: make sure you do something active at least once a day. This way, you're also getting out of the house for a bit. It's nice not to be stuck at home together all day. Schedule a workout before you start working or during your lunch break when the walls are closing in on you. Both physically and mentally beneficial for both of you: a win.

5. Zoom calls and phone calls? Make appointments.
Perhaps my biggest irritation during the previous lockdown: that calling in the house. While I was giving online lessons, I could hear my boyfriend shouting on the phone with his staff. Conversely, he claimed I was the one shouting. This didn't work at all. My tip for when you don't have multiple lockable rooms in your house or have very thin walls: don't call at the same time. Agree with each other when you have Zoom meetings. For example, you can choose to do your workout or grocery shopping when your partner has a meeting and vice versa. Trust me: it saves a lot of trouble.

6. Don't let yourself go
This is a very dangerous one. It's so easy to throw on your tracksuit in the morning and crawl behind your laptop unshowered, but please don't do that. Not only will you feel sluggish and unkempt, but you'll also start to relate to it. This won't make you more attractive, and it won't pay off in love. Get up, jump in the shower, and just dress normally when you work from home. It really works.

7. Cook together
Since the hospitality industry can only stay open until eight o'clock: time for mimosa brunches and early dinners. Unfortunately, we can't always have an elaborate lunch or early dinner on a weekday. So what can you do after eight o'clock? Cook a nice meal with your partner, of course (or order something, but cooking together is much more fun). My boyfriend and I can't do much in the kitchen, but we really tried it recently and it was more than successful. After we had selected a few recipes (Simple Ottolenghi), we spent about four hours in the kitchen with music on and a glass of wine in our hands. We were quite slow, and by the time we sat down at the table, we were already drunk, but it was such a fun and funny evening. Really a recommendation for the coming weeks.