06 LIFESTYLE CONTACT US AT: 8351-9186, DEBRA_LIDAN@163.COMFri/Sat/Sun April 17~19, 2020

Could coronavirus cause a spike in divorce rates? BEING stuck at home with your sig-nificant other may sound like a dream. After all, who wouldn’t want unlimited hours to cuddle on the couch or cook nice dinners for each other? But too much time together, especially under such stressful circumstances, could spell disaster for any relationship. In fact, one of the most shocking side effects of the coronavirus pandemic has been an increase in divorce rates.

So what, exactly, is the cause behind these splits? Spending too much time together, losing your job (or having a spouse’s income drop), and taking care of children at home are stressors that likely contribute to skyrocketing divorce rates.

Although it’s normal to have argu-ments when you’re around each other 24/7, there’s a difference between a small spat and a deal-breaking dis-cussion. “Without a doubt, there will be a wave of divorces to come,” says New York City divorce lawyer Todd A. Spodek. However, despite the high

number of calls Spodek has received in recent weeks, he says he believes many of the couples are just fighting and will eventually cool down.

If arguments involve assaults on one’s character or problems that cannot be solved, then it may be a sign of a bigger marital issue rather than a simple quarantine squabble. Relationship counselor Viktor Sander says quarantine will only fast-track the trajectory that a relationship is already on. “If your relationship is slowly moving toward a divorce — maybe even without you knowing — spending all your time together would make that divorce happen sooner,” says Sander.

But there may be some hope yet. Dror Bikel of Bikel&Schanfield Law says he is actually seeing a “tight-ening of family bonds as kids and parents work together to make the most of a bad situation.” He adds that many marriages that were teetering before quarantine seem to now be back on track, and some clients have

even called to withdraw their divorce filing.

So whether you’re taking this time to try and work it out with your partner, or you’re just looking to strengthen your relationship, there are some important tips you should follow to keep the magic alive.

“You can do things like schedule a date night at home. Order a nice dinner in, get dressed up, and watch a movie — whatever you would normally do on a date night,” says Lyndsey Harper, founder and CEO of Rosy.

Another essential aspect of a healthy union is physical attraction. “Having sex can be a great indicator of a strong relationship, so make sex part of your new routine,” says Harper. “Many couples find success putting sex on the calendar, as working from home and other parental priorities can often get in the way.”

If you want to know the real secret to a successful marriage, it’s simply having patience and compassion for

your partner. According to Harper, the key is to prioritize intimacy and com-municate openly and honestly. Think of yourself and your spouse as a team up against quarantine rather than two separate people battling each other. If you learn to listen and support each other now, you could come out of this a stronger, more in-sync couple.

(SD-Agencies)

How o�en you should wash your stu�

LAUNDRY is, by nature, a chore. The sort of task you push fur-ther and further down the to-do list until it’s been three

weeks and you cannot stand wearing those out-of-fashion jeans any longer. But clothes are not all that need wash-ing. There are sheets and towels and stuffed animals too.

Depending on the material they’re made of and how often you use them, these objects may require more or less frequent cleaning. Here’s a break-down of how often to wash everything in your life from gym joggers to that pesky carpet. But remember, check all product labels for brand-specific rec-ommendations before starting your spring cleaning spree.Denim

What better source on denim care is there than Levi’s, the classic American jean company? While recommenda-tions for jean washing typically range from after every three to five wears, Levi’s recommends holding out on a wash until after the 10th. Remember to wash jeans inside out. Then, when they’re out of the machine, hang or line-dry your jeans to preserve fit and prevent fading. Slacks and skirts

Dissecting a dress code can be tough enough, so don’t stress about cleaning your dress slacks. Dress pants or busi-ness slacks can last two to three wears without a wash. Like slacks, skirts can go a few wears without a wash too. Dress shirts and blouses

Do not attempt to wear the same button-down dress shirt a whole work-week. Dress shirts and blouses can go multiple wears without a wash, and even more if you wear an undershirt. However, know that odors carry. Prac-tice proper laundry habits and hygiene to avoid making an unfortunate office etiquette mistake.Swimsuits and gym clothes

Whether you’re heading home from the beach or the pool, swimsuits must be washed after each wear. Check swim-suit labels and washing machine guides — swimsuits may require a quick post-swim rinse in cold water on a fast spin speed. Whether you work out at home, in a hotel room or at the gym, change out of your workout wear immediately after exercise, allow it time to dry and toss it

in the wash after a single wear.T-shirts and tank tops

Likely worn in warm weather and made of absorbent fabric like cotton, T-shirts and tanks must be washed after every use. To stop tees from shrinking, check the fabric type and wash accordingly. Cottons may do best on a gentle cycle, while silks and wools do better with hand-washing. When in doubt, opt for a cold-water wash, slow spin and low-heat dry.Undergarments

Underwear should be swapped daily and washed after each use, but unfor-tunately, many people don’t follow this hygiene rule. Bras can go two to three uses without a wash. However, in between washes and wears, be sure to give your bra rest days for the elastic to regain shape. Like underwear, socks must be washed after each wear.Sheets

Bad things happen when you don’t get enough sleep and good things happen

when you do. Whether you’re tossing and turning or sleeping like a log, your body produces sweat in your sleep. This sweat, along with more harmful bacte-ria, may linger on unsuspecting sheets. Wash bedsheets once every other week. However, if you struggle with excessive night sweats, wash weekly.Blankets and pillows

Like bedspreads, comforters and duvets, any additional blankets or throws should be washed monthly. Washing machine settings will vary depending on fabric. Finding the right pillow for you can better prep your bedroom for sleep. To keep that prized pillow fresh and clean, wash and dry on low heat twice a year. Don’t forget the valiant pillowcases that shelter your pillows from all the ick produced in your sleep. Toss yours in the washing machine weekly for laundering.Bath towels

Hang bath towels between uses,

allowing an ample amount of time to dry. After three normal uses, wash. Kill residual bacteria by washing towels in hot water and drying on high heat. Like other common household items you need to replace, swap out old bath towels every one to two years.Stuffed animals

A beloved stuffed animal can be a valued and loved friend to your child, and by extension a valued friend to you. To properly keep them clean, spot treat any pesky stains. Check for any electronic parts before machine- or hand-washing on a weekly basis. Wash on a gentle cycle in cold water and hang to dry. Cars

Make a stop at the drive-thru car wash once every two weeks. If hand-washing is more your speed, keep your cleaning old-school. Grab the garden hose, sponge and a bucket of sudsy water and wash your car yourself.

(SD-Agencies)