TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government’s move imposing the coronavirus (COVID-19) social distancing policy which effectively restricts people to remain quarantined indoors can take its toll on social relationships, including couples.

The following are several useful tips from us, Life Hack, and Psychology Today to overcome the coronavirus social restrictions for couples forced into a long distance relationship.

1. Give each other assurance

According to Elizabeth Dorrance Hall Ph.D., assurances are important in times of social distancing. In the case of a romantic relationship, you should assure your loved one that the distancing is mainly heeding to the government’s protocol, and that it does not reflect the state of the relationship is going through.

2. Send them lunch or dinner

Showing your partner affection from a distance can be done through many acts that convey one’s attention. One of the many alternatives you can practice is by sending your loved one lunch or dinner, either takeout or a homemade meal.

3. Do not cease to communicate

You might be used to intense physical meetings with your partner prior to the coronavirus social restriction, however, now is the time for you to present the communication intensity through distant communication. Vary them through text chats, phone calls, or a video call every now and then.

4. Plan an activity together to be done after the pandemic ends

Instead of being overly-fixated to the coronavirus crisis, and the general activities it has helped change due to social restriction policies. It could help provide a breath of fresh air by planning activities that both of you can do once the coronavirus pandemic passes and you are no longer in a long distance relationship.

SARAH ERVINA DARA SIYAHAILATUA | LIFEHACK | PSYCHOLOGY TODAY