How COVID-19 Actually Strengthened My Relationship

Let’s face it, during the beginning part of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve found ourselves inside our homes more than usual. With that said, there have been many couples who have been inside more than usual. You would think that being in close quarters like this would lead to a great deal of conflict and strife, with those couples becoming strained by the end of the lockdown. That has been the unfortunate case for some. However, this has not been of all couples. In fact, this time has led couples to come even closer than before.

In my part of the world, the eastern United States, we had a stay at home order from late March to about early to mid May. During this time, I have been spending my weekends with my girlfriend. Since there was not much to do, we spent the entire time at home.

Despite this order, we made the best of it. We spent our time cooking healthy dinners, reading, talking, working out, going for walks, doing virtual museum trips around the world (Google Arts & Culture became our best friend)  and watching foreign films. These activities helped to keep us stimulated throughout the lockdown.

Before the lockdown, my girlfriend and I knew each other very well for the last three years. We knew each other’s secrets, our likes, our dislikes and what makes us feel better. Now that we were in close corners, we were able to help each other throughout the uncertainty of the pandemic. For me, there were times in which I felt panicky. I felt that the world was going into disarray and there was nothing that could help. In my 31 years of living, I always had anxiety but this was the most anxious I have ever been. And I know for a fact that I wasn’t the only one. However– with her being there, with her touch, I was able to find solace.

Yes. That’s it. It was that human touch, her human touch, gave me strength. I was able to be with her. I was able to hold her, kiss her, hug her, get close to her. When I felt scared or confused, she would be there to stop me from shaking. I needed that deep human touch during such a distressing time. There were also times in which she felt nervous about the uncertainty of the pandemic. During such moments, I would hold her close. I would kiss and caress her. I would tell her that things would get better and that I love her. This would greatly ease her anxiety.

As the lockdown went on, we relied on each other to stay safe. We were comfortable expressing more of our fears and worked together to find ways on how to cope with them. Not everything was perfect, in which there were moments in which we disagreed on things, but we were able talk them out and feel better afterwards. This definitely helped us with overcoming any conflicts.

By the end of the lockdown, my girlfriend and I were able to slowly go back into the world. We were able to safely meet with friends, travel, go to museums and out to each at places with outdoor dining. Each day, things are slowly getting better and I feel that this time next year, we should be back to normal.

With that said, I can say that I have definitely learned from this lockdown. I have learned that it is OK to be afraid, especially when things are uncertain. However, I learned of how blessed I have been to have my girlfriend on my side during that time. She was my rock and my saving grace. I love her so much that in August, I asked her hand in marriage and she said yes. Now I can spend my whole life with my true love. With each other by our sides, no matter what obstacles and uncertainties life can throw at us, we will conquer them together.