“I see bare branches dancing in the light, shorn of leaves. You missed the beauty of natural surroundings.” Sandeve was actually missing his wife.
“You know what, Sandeve! I danced alone yesterday. It feels so light to be alone, and free of expectations. I can lead my own life for some time.”
“I don’t blame you, honey! The lockdown and work from home has done this to several families. I hope there is light at the other ned, after the fog clears.”
“Till then, find time to live for yourself. No relationship is strong enough to survive 24-hour togetherness.”
Reena Saxena 
A timeless tale that reflects todays problems. Lovely written.
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Thank you, James!
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Sad, but true. Well written.
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Thank you, athling2001!
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I had no choice, locked in with an elderly husband. If only i could have escaped 24 hour togetherness!
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The only consolation I can offer is there are many in the same boat.
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That may be true for many, though, paradoxically, I know some who found new love in their existing love in the conditions of near-isolation, and some who found family where they did not FEEL they had one. Not that I’d recommend a 24 lockdown as a form of love experimentation … but the results aren’t uniform, as people aren’t, perhaps.
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Results will always vary with individuals.
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True.
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Separate lives give each other context, theres only so much telly one can watch without feeling washed out.
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You are absolutely right. And we may want to watch different channels.
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Yes, that’s what’s been so tough for many couples in lockdown. Time apart is what gives life to the togetherness.
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Separate rooms are the only solution.
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Pandemic puts a lot of pressure on relationships. This couple found a creative way to stay together — apart. Good story!
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Thank you 😂😂
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You’re welcome 🙂
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Love that last line. Familiarity can indeed breed contempt. We take deliberate breaks from each other, whether in-house or one leaves/one stays. If we are joined at the hip 100%, then we have no new experiences to tell each other about.
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Fully agree. Thank you, Linda!
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I’m certainly looking forward to both seeing other people and being able to be alone! Nicely done.
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Thank you, Iain! You capture the dichotomy so well.
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It’s been quite illuminating, the effect that lockdown has had on relationships. I’ve never worked harder.
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The second wave here has again dashed hopes of normalcy.
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So very true. Togetherness requires some apartness
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Thank you, Neil!
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You’re so right, it has happened to many families
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The last year has been the greatest leveller for the whole world.
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Indeed, that’s true 👍
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