I am 42 and have fully recovered from Covid. My wife, 41, took care of me and supported me all around. Without her sacrifice I could not have recovered so fast. We are back to normal life but she is not mentally prepared to resume physical proximity. Is there anything wrong in my expectations or does she need to divert her mindset? ~ Anonymous

02 Jun, 2021 | 14:13

Issues of communication and consent are always important in intimate relationships, especially when your spouse’s comfort levels and concerns around touch and close contact have changed after being infected with Covid-19. It’s also absolutely normal to not feel like engaging in any sexual activity during this time. The anxiety that comes along with the pandemic, the stress of working from home while also managing the house and the worry she may feel for you can suppress her sexual drive. Don’t force yourself to feel something that isn’t coming naturally. Once things get better, your partner’s sexual drive may return to how it was before. It’s important to talk with your partner about what kind of behaviour she wants to engage in first. Remember that fondling, PDA (public display of affection), cuddling and kissing are also forms of physical intimacy, so enjoy them as much as possible.