Locked‐Down Love: A Study of Intimate Relationships Before and After the COVID Lockdown

Objective To assess love and relationship satisfaction among dating and married participants pre‐ and post‐COVID‐19 lockdown in India. Background Extant literature demonstrates the impact of stressors like terror attacks and natural disasters on intimate relations. Yet little is known about how a significant stressor like the COVID‐19 lockdown will impact love among married and dating couples. Method Data from a convenience sample of 100 participants (65 dating, 35 married) was collected in two waves, first in January–March and then in May after the lockdown. Participants completed an online survey with measures of love, relationship satisfaction, self‐esteem, and how they spent time with their partner. Paired sample t test, correlation analysis, and thematic analysis were used. Results For both dating and married participants, scores on relationship satisfaction, love, intimacy and passion were significantly lower post‐lockdown compared with the pre‐lockdown period. Commitment for those dating remained unaffected. Watching movies together and revisiting old memories was related to love for those dating, whereas for married couples, doing household chores, cooking, and watching movies together was associated with love. Conclusion Passion and intimacy in relationships changed after the COVID‐19 lockdown. How couples spent time with each other during the lockdown holds important implications for relationship satisfaction. Implications Practitioners who work with couples must focus on ways in which couples spend quality time with each other. Norms that define a relationship, particularly with regard to participation in domestic work by men, must be revisited to adapt to the new normal.