The survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of the Aruba Tourism Authority, sought to gain insight on romance and travel as they related to COVID. Although almost half of Americans admitted that keeping the spark alive during the pandemic was challenging, 67 percent of them found that the pandemic brought them closer to their partner. It seems that one of the most significant detriments to relationships during the pandemic has been the inability to have new experiences together. According to the survey, 60 percent of people said their relationship suffers when they are unable to get out and have new experiences with their partner in different places. To combat this issue, couples have had to get a bit more creative to keep the spark alive—which may be, in part, what brought so many partners closer together. The survey found that 42 percent of couples planned at-home “date nights,” and 40 percent have embarked on a new exercise routine together. “This year, I have seen a dramatic increase in couples seeking therapy to work through feelings brought on by the pandemic and how this has changed their relationship. For the most part, partners are either stronger than ever or on the verge of breaking up,” Holly Richmond, MD, told South West News Service.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb RELATED: For more up-to-date information, sign up for our daily newsletter. The COVID pandemic has been a unique hurdle for couples everywhere. That’s why it may come as a shock that couples—at least those who worked to keep the passion going—found that this obstacle actually strengthened their relationship. And to find out what makes a partnership thrive, this is The No. 1 Thing That Makes a Relationship Successful, New Study Shows.
