When my partner and I exchanged our vows nearly 16 years ago, they felt fitting, even if a bit conventional. We ticked off the usual phrases: through thick and thin? Check. In times of abundance and scarcity? Check. In moments of joy and sorrow? Check. Yet, what those vows failed to encompass were the unprecedented challenges of living through a global pandemic that forces families into prolonged confinement.
Crisis has a unique way of revealing both strengths and weaknesses, and right now, we are undoubtedly in the midst of a crisis. Thankfully, my partner has stepped up in ways that have filled me with appreciation for our life together. In these trying times, I feel grateful for the solid choices I made in choosing him as my partner.
If you’re in a similar situation, I truly hope you feel the same warmth for your spouse. Admittedly, the last few weeks haven’t been my best. Anxiety has crept in, and I’ve found myself feeling lost, sad, and even a bit angry. I often cry and wrestle with overwhelming worry.
But my partner has been my anchor. He balances my moments of panic with his calmness, infuses humor into my sorrow, and brings rationality to my anxious thoughts. In many ways, he is the glue holding our family together during this tumultuous period.
Our marriage, like any other, has faced its share of trials. I believe that anyone who claims to have a perfect relationship has either not been together long enough or is simply not being honest. I don’t mean to paint an unrealistic picture of our journey; we’ve navigated our fair share of difficulties.
Yet, at this moment, we are thriving. We’ve invested time in learning coping strategies and are putting them into action as we face the current challenges together. There’s no denying the reality of the world around us. We’re amidst a full-blown pandemic that has turned our lives upside down. Our routines have vanished, and we’re juggling homeschooling our kids while trying to maintain our jobs – if we’re fortunate enough to still have them. Privacy is non-existent, and anxiety is at an all-time high.
These are hardly the ideal circumstances for nurturing a relationship. In fact, reports indicate a rise in divorces in regions that have just emerged from quarantine. Even the strongest partnerships are being tested in ways we never anticipated just a few months ago. We’re ordered to stay home, isolated from the outside world, and I find immense comfort in knowing that my partner is my world – along with our children, of course.
We are grappling with situations we never foresaw when we stood together, full of dreams, on our wedding day. How could we have known that “for worse” would entail rationing essential supplies or donning protective gear just to make a grocery run? Or that “for better” would mean binge-watching shows like Tiger King as a way to cope with the stress? We never imagined “for poorer” would correlate with a global economic downturn, or that “in sickness” would take on a whole new meaning during a pandemic that requires nationwide lockdowns.
Does anyone truly know what these vows entail until faced with challenges that feel insurmountable? How can anyone predict how their relationship will endure until they’re navigating the steepest hills of life? Does anyone truly grasp how fortunate they are to genuinely like and love the people with whom they share their lives?
Perhaps, but likely not.
We commit ourselves to these promises, and if we’re diligent and lucky, we can uphold them even in the toughest times. These are indeed strange, unsettling days. Stay safe, cherish your loved ones, and embrace the connections you have.
If we ever choose to renew our vows, you can bet I’ll be insisting on adding “in good times as well as during global pandemics.”
For more insights on navigating relationships during challenging times, check out this blog post. And for those interested in understanding the nuances of home insemination, this resource offers valuable information, along with this excellent guide on fertility treatments.
Summary
The article emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the unique challenges that arise during global crises, particularly in relation to marriage vows. It reflects on personal experiences during a pandemic, highlighting the resilience and support within relationships while also recognizing the struggles many face.