By Mercedes Halliburton
Staff Writer

This year, the second year of the global pandemic has made it a struggle for some relationships to stay afloat. Distance, safety, places being shut down, and social gatherings being suspended have made it extremely hard for relationships to flow and for couples to date and interact normally. Since the outbreak of the virus, most couples with the exception of those that reside together, are being torn apart.      

As months went by, some states lifted the quarantine and couples within the area were able to see each other. Though, these couples are still limited. Those who chose to take the necessary precautions were tasked with staying safe and being cautious before and after every reunion, anxiously awaiting the time they would see each other again. Seniors Maria Prieto and Rodrigo Garcia and freshmen Leslie Dame and Emma Kershaw, two couples from MAST Academy, commented on the safety needed to reunite.

“Before we hang out we always make sure that we haven’t been exposed to anyone with COVID and we always get tested,” Dame said. Prieto and Garcia had a very similar way of staying safe. 

“Since we mostly hang out between us, we know we are safe with each other, however going out we always wear masks and make sure we always use hand sanitizer,” Garcia said. 

The pandemic’s hardships ended many relationships, but it also strengthened others. As couples went through their ups and downs, they gradually learned how to support and love each other through difficult times. Many talents and interests were found hidden within the layers of anxiety and distress, making two people connect in special ways.  

“We have watched a lot of movies,” Dame said.

“We ended up painting small portraits of avatars. We also made these brownies that are mixed with cookie dough and Oreos,” Prieto shared. 

This February 14th will be the first Valentine’s Day after the outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States. The couples that survived the first year of the pandemic will have many unique memories to look back to and a lot of other experiences to celebrate. 

With everyone buzzing with excitement as this beautiful holiday has passed, love has filled the space around us. I hope you put on your masks and took a selfie because this will definitely be a Valentine’s Day for the books.