From BBC News

The number of couples seeking relationship counselling has surged during lockdown.

‍

A survey by the UK charity Relate found that nearly a quarter of people felt lockdown had placed additional pressure on their relationship. A similar proportion had found their partner more irritating - with women reporting so more than men.

‍

Lockdown created a "make or break" environment, the charity says, with people having "relationship realisations" - both good and bad. A further survey by the charity in July found 8% of people said lockdown had made them realise they needed to end their relationship - but 43% said lockdown had brought them closer.

‍

-> But it's never to late to save your relationship - Try Remainly today!

‍

Lockdown relationship tips

‍

Kate Moyle, psychotherapist at the UK Council forPsychotherapy, says:

• In lockdown, our partner's habits that normally irritate us a bit can become much more obvious. The Gottman Institute recommends trying to move away from criticising or blaming your partner by using "I" statements in your communication, such as "I'm feeling", "my feelings are", rather than "you do this, you make me feel".
• Many couples are reporting spending all their time together - but very little of that is quality time. It is important to consciously make time to be together as a couple, but also make sure you spend some time apart as individuals, even in the same house.
• This is a really difficult time to be going through a break-up. If you are, it's important to reach out to family and friends for support, and also to practice self-care by doing the things that make you happy and feel good about yourself.

Read the full story on BBC News