Gratefully Yours

Dear diary,

Today I miss him so much. He is just a few kilometers away from me but thanks to the lock-down it has been a month or more since I saw him. How many of us are desperate to run into the arms of our partners right now?

I am just grateful for this tough phase as it has shown me how strong our relationship is. I am wondering how many couples can be proud of being together and confirm that this lock-down strengthened their bond forever.

I read somewhere that the divorce rates are on the increase as couples are not able to stay with each other 24/7 for so many days continuously without any entertainment or break. My friend pinged me yesterday and with utmost seriousness, she started quizzing me on the best way to stay balanced and sane in this period. I thought this query came up as she was going through stress due to the lack of fancy restaurant outings and parties. I gave her tips on how she can still Swiggy if she is very bored with cooking and how she can prepare a countdown chart so that she has something to look forward to for her partying desperation. After a good 20 minutes of chatting, she opens up and tells me that it is beyond her to stay with her husband anymore. She is going insane with seeing his face each day.

I was frankly surprised at this as they seem to be the most loving couple in our friend circle. Apparently, the love vanished once they were forced by lockdown to actually test their love for each other. In all the chats we exchanged I realized that basic respect and gratitude were missing in their relationship. I suggested that she maintains a journal for the next 21 days on the days' happenings and start writing down all that went well for her throughout the day and 5 things she is grateful for.

I hope this helps her and helps you all too.