If you have teenagers with boyfriends or girlfriends how are they coping?

[ChaosTrulyReigns]

I've got 2 DDs at home with boyfriends.

They didn't see them for the whole of the string Lockdown and have just started to meet up for socially distanced walks in local parks.

Nothing I've seen in news has mentioned when people frim different households can actually spend time in close proximity.

I do feel that their mental well being is now suffering, and really feel for them.

Obviously many other people are suffering too from not being ankle to hug friends or family, I feel for them (and me) too.

Any predictions for when this may be eased?

My 18yo DS was really struggling a couple of weeks ago. He was crying, anxious and angry which was very unlike him. Everything got on top of him and not seeing his mates or girlfriend really didn’t help.

Since then he’s met up with his girlfriend twice a week. They go for bike rides together so they can keep their distance and stop for a picnic or fish and chips sat separately.
He also meets his best mate once a week for a bike ride too.

His mental health has improved immensely, he seems back to his usual self thankfully.

Thanks SinSue, I've definitely seen an improvement in them in the last couple of weeks along similar lines as your DS.

It's the not touching, handholding, hugging that they're finding hard, and the uncertainty as to when they can hug is frustrating them.

I don't have a teenager but my husband and I were 16 when we got together and we discussing what we would've done if this had happened to us - honestly, it would have been hell. I loved him from the moment I met him and being apart from him would have been as hard then as it is now.
Please just bare in mind that young love is so strong and so precious and don't undermine teenage relationships like so many people do. Obviously they need to adhere to the guidelines but if you can do anything to help then please do and remember it'll all be over soon. How old are your teens? Would it be possible to become one household if they're older teens (either your house or the boyfriend's houses)? Only if everyone involved is comfortable of course.
Just be flexible and do what you can - it sounds like you're very aware of their needs and concerns and are doing your best so I'm sure it'll all be ok soon enough.

DS is meeting up with his girlfriend for walks. I am adopting Clinton's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy about their meetings.

DD17 and her BF are currently sitting in our garden having a socially distanced curry. They have been doing this for the past couple of weeks. DDs mental health isn't great and she was really struggling so we took the decision to allow this. At least we can watch and make sure they are adhering to the rules.