Over the last couple of months, quarantine has cornered us into tight spaces that many of us are unfamiliar with. Some of us are shacked up with romantic partners and others are riding out the time solo-dolo. In either case, this time of solitude has pushed one central theme to the forefront: communication.
In times like this when we're collectively exploring new and uncharted territories of our love life, it's wise to consult the expertise of a couple who knows a thing or two about forming connections in confined spaces; a couple like Love Is Blind'sLauren Speed-Hamilton and Cameron Hamilton.
If you're one of the millions of people who fell in love with the Hamiltons during their journey to find love behind a wall, you know that the couple is accustomed to dating in unconventional environments. Turns out, their reality TV show experiment has turned into a real-life experience that's come in handy through their quarantine when learning more about themselves and each other. "It's one of those scenarios that kinda forces you to either grow or die, in a weird way. We had to make things better by evolving fast to accommodate for being with each other 24/7," Cameron shared during a recent appearance at xoNecole's Pajamas & Lipstick virtual event.
If you've found yourself quarantined with a significant other, be open to exploring deeper conversations that you might have overlooked during the blinding bliss of the earlier parts of your relationship; you never know what new things you could learn. Through multi-layered conversations, Lauren and Cam discovered early on that there was one small and fluffy detail that taught them a valuable lesson on compromise. Cameron says, "Getting a dog was a big thing," especially since he never really saw himself owning a pet, let alone being with someone who wanted to. According to Lauren, "It was a part of our marriage agreement. I said, 'If we're getting married, I'm getting a puppy!'" It may sound minuscule, but having conversations about the "small stuff" could lead to broader understandings that could help you and your partner envision new possibilities for your future together.
But maybe you haven't quite gotten past the talking phase because you're still exchanging favorite colors on Hinge. Well, for the single folks, the Hamiltons dished on how you maximize communication while dating online:
"Ask yourself what it is that you want in your next relationship. Are you looking for that long-term husband or wife? Are you looking for just that fun relationship that might be more short-term? Because before ['Love Is Blind'], I felt motivated to ask that. I was ready to know and find someone for real."
Even in new relationships, you have to know how to ask the right questions in order to go to the next level. But are there any questions that should be off-limits? Well, if you ask Lauren, the limit does not exist:
"Girl, ask them! Communication is so important and so is comfortable. Especially in a relationship, you wanna be able to ask [your partner] something. And if it's something that is off-limits to them, then I'm sure they'll let you know. But at the same time, they should respect you for wanting to have that communication with them."
Whether you're in a long-term relationship or exploring new options, the key is to remain open to what this time has to offer. Here's to coming out of quarantine with our hearts and communication game stronger.
Featured image by Hangin' with the Hamiltons/YouTube