Pushkin.
Welcome to a special set of episodes of The Happiness Lab.
The now global spread of coronavirus is affecting all of us.
This disease has brought a host of medical, economic, and political problems.
But it's also given us a ton of uncertainty and anxiety,
which are beginning to have an enormous negative impact on our collective well-being.
But whenever I'm confused or fearful,
I remember that looking for answers in evidence-based science is always the best way to go.
And that's where I'm hoping this podcast can help.
One of the most common questions I've gotten from listeners about how to handle this awful COVID-19 crisis is how we can all protect our relationships during this crazy time.
Lots of us are facing the completely novel situation of being forced to shelter in place with our partners.
And while it's really good to be with the people we love during a scary period,
it can also be really, really tough and way more aggravating than I expected.
Which is kind of ironic.
I mean,
I've dreamed about having some work-related stuff get canceled just so I could stay home and have some quality time with my husband.
But I was thinking fuzzy socks and a nice glass of wine some weekend.
Being forced to shelter in place for months was not part of the fantasy.
It's much harder to prioritize our marriages.
while also running a babysitting service, or a middle school, or an elderly care facility.