So, if you’re one of the lucky ones that has been snuggling up with you partner during this lockdown, congratulations! Also, you really don’t need to post about it on social media every five minutes. We get. We’re happy for you. We’d also like to be quarantined with someone, but alas. 2020 wasn’t our year (said everyone, everywhere.) Regardless, if you are in a relationship and living together, it’s likely way more time than you’ve ever spent together. It can be as exciting as it is overwhelming, so we want to help you find balance. Here are 4 tips on working from home with your partner…

• Work separately

Yes, we know it’s pretty nice to be seeing more of your partner, but you also don’t want to end up distracted. You may discover habits that you wouldn’t have known otherwise, if you start working in the same place. Maybe they click their pen when they’re thinking or chew gum like an animal? Either way, if someone was doing that at work, at least you could tell yourself you’re going home, away from them. Now? It’s one never ending day…

We do get that everyone’s living arrangements are different. So, if you’re working from home with your partner and space is limited, you can just try working on different sides of the room. We know, it’ll be fun to spend the day flirting, but if you actually want to finish on time, have separate spaces.

• Have lunch together

One of the (admittedly few) silver linings of now is that if you and your partner usually work in different areas that you couldn’t feasibly manage to travel and have lunch in, now you can. If you’re working from home with your partner, now you can have lunch together or even have a snack break/walk together.

Having lunch together is also a great way to break up the day, connect and make sure that one of you isn’t distracted by watching the other one eat, because you’ve decided you’ll have yours later. Also, going on walks are a good way of reminding you to stretch your legs every now and then.

• Make sure you have some alone time

This is important, whether you’re working from home with your partner, living with friends or family. Since we’re all in the same space, only hanging with the same people, making sure you have some time to yourself will help you feel less frustrated with things.

Even if it’s just a stroll or finding some time to read a book alone. Know that you don’t have to spend every single second of lockdown together. Just be honest about how you’re feeling and everyone should be pretty understanding.

• Be considerate of each other

Remember, even though you’re at home, you’re still trying to foster a working environment that helps everyone be productive. So, if you’re working from home with your partner, make sure you’re considerate of each other and have boundaries.

Things like deciding if playing music will be an issue, or letting the other know you’re having a meeting. Maybe have a system for that. Post it notes on closed doors perhaps? We’ve all seen way too many stories of people’s partners (or not) strolling around naked (or almost there) in the background. Don’t become one of those stories.

So, there you have it! 4 tips on working from home with your partner. These should help with getting into a routine that works well for you both. Then you can really enjoy having all this time together. Ya lucky lovebirds!