Almost a full year after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, staying in lockdown with a significant other has a proven a novel and tricky development. 

Without the opportunity to physically socialize with family and friends, and shopping trips reduced to necessity only instead of recreationally, our entertainment, conversations, and experiences are shared with a single person. Because of this, more than 15% of Canadians (that’s almost 5 million people) have experienced a relationship break-up since the beginning of COVID-19, reports Finder Canada. 

Interestingly enough, Ontario has one of the lowest percentages of couples splitting up – only 11%. Quebec (23%), Nova Scotia (21%) and British Columbia (17%) all saw higher than national average percentages when it came to couples separating. 

The break-up numbers were highest (25%) among the youngest age group of 18-24-year-olds, which may be due to school closures, relocations and more disruptions in their ability to socialize with others. 

For the couples who have weathered the storm of living with their significant other for the past year, certain new behaviours have arisen during lockdown. 55% of Canadians currently in a relationship acknowledge they have at least one “quarantine quirk” that developed in their relationship. The surprising element – it bothers male counterparts more than females. 

Across Canada, 61% of men are much more bothered by their partners newfound quirks, compared to women. Two of the quirks that bothered men most were 1) their partner wearing track pants daily (14% of men versus only 8% of women) and 2) online overspending (17% of men versus 8% of women). Both sexes reported they were equally irritated about spending ‘too much time together’. 

A quarter of those between the ages of 35-44 confirmed COVID-19 has had a negative impact on their relationship. This age group is most likely to be living with their partner and having young kids home from school. The additional stress of online schooling and juggling their own careers can put more pressure on their relationship with their significant other.  

As the pandemic continues into 2021, the most significant stressor to Canadians is cabin fever. And it’s affecting older populations, like those between the ages of 55-64, being limited in their digital socializing capabilities, the most. Other stressors are the rise in COVID-19 cases (a sure sign the pandemic isn’t ending anytime soon) and financial stress. 

The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t proven easy for any of us. We can only hope we’ll return as close to pre-COVID normalcy soon and enjoy the most of the upcoming warmer weather.

www.finder.com