The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally disrupted societal norms, forcing folks and families to redefine what stability and satisfaction mean in their lives.

As we move through what many are calling "The Great Rebalancing," couples must adjust not only to a new normal but also to lasting changes in the way relationships function.

This post will explore how relationships are evolving post-pandemic, what “rebalancing” looks like in practice, and provide research-backed strategies for couples navigating these shifts.

How Did the Pandemic Change Relationships?

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to shape our world, one of its lingering effects—long COVID—has become a significant public health concern.

A breaking new study published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity reveals a compelling link between childhood abuse and an increased risk of developing long COVID symptoms.

According to the research, folks who suffered severe childhood abuse have a 42% higher likelihood of experiencing post-COVID conditions compared to those who did not experience abuse.

This discovery underscores the importance of considering a person’s entire life history, including early trauma, when evaluating long-term health outcomes related to COVID-19.

What Is Long COVID, and Why Is It Concerning?

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted all aspects of life, but perhaps nowhere more intimately than within romantic relationships.

Couples around the world found themselves navigating uncharted waters—managing extended isolation, increased stress, and often dramatic changes in their daily routines.

For many, the pandemic created a sense of disconnection or confusion about their roles within the relationship. As we move forward, it’s essential for couples to redefine their sense of identity and rebuild their connection.

Let’s explore how couples can heal and grow together in a post-pandemic world, relying on expert insights and social science research to offer practical strategies for moving forward.

Social neuroscience is a cross-disciplinary area of research.

It’s more of a “hard science”; examining how genetic, cellular, hormonal, and neurologic pathways influence and mitigate human social and biological life impulses.

Here are 5 recent nuggets from the annals of social neuroscience that may help you better manage inter-personal stress…