Pandemic causing some Columbus area couples to break up

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — As the coronavirus numbers continue to climb, so does the stress—even among stable, loving couples.

Many couples are on edge right now, some even heading toward divorce or break-up. With the stay-at-home orders, you may have more time with your partner than you bargained for.

Terry and Renay Dismore have been married 35 years. The Dismore’s said changing their routines due to COVID-19 has been hard to deal with. “Getting a plan of action together. Understanding we are in this together,” said Renay.

“If we need to get away from each other we just go to a different part of the house for a while,” said Terry.

Dr. David Lowenstein, a psychologist said he is getting a lot of phone calls from troubled couples, many working from home.

“People are having a difficult time because they are just so housebound. They are working from home. Playing from home. Their only break is going to Kroger or Giant Eagle to get groceries,” said Lowenstein.

“Even though we around one another a lot. It is the lack of communication. It is being taken for granted that we don’t need to talk with one another because you are just downstairs or in the other room,” said Lowenstein.

“Husbands losing jobs. Single women are being furloughed in their positions,” Renay said they have been trying to help those in need.

“We can always do something we can always help in some way. It makes you feel better and get you out of your funk in your mind. It clears your head,” Renay said.

Lowenstein said talk to your partner if you are worried about something and know that coping mechanisms may differ.

“Buy the fire extinguisher before you have the fire. If it is going to help you. Deal with the tension before it causes a big fight.”

“There have been so many more things we haven’t been able to do. It is no longer fun because we don’t have any outside interests anymore. I am in the living room and my spouse is in the dining room,” Lowenstein said. “There’s no way to take a break. Not like on Friday night you can get a babysitter and go out to dinner. Or go to the movies.”

Not every marriage is picture-perfect. It’s understandable that you and your partner may be getting on each other’s nerves.

“We make each other laugh all the time. There is something about humor in light of tragedy or crisis,” Terry said.

“We take the time to pray for each other. And with each other. And we try to encourage each other as well as making each other laugh hysterically,” said Renay.

It’s a pandemic, so before you call the divorce lawyer, look for a way to rescue your relationship. “You are not the only ones going through it. There’s a lot of people that are. Just knowing you are not the only one sometimes helps,” said Lowenstein.