Dating during COVID-19 has made relationships closer.

According to The New York Times, until now, video chatting has been a big part of people’s live,s especially in relationships. Before the pandemic, only 6% were using video chat.  Currently, during the pandemic, about 69% of the people are using video chat to talk to their partners. In addition, single people have revealed more about their feelings, expressions, and attitudes during this worldwide pandemic. Relationships during this pandemic have taken the “getting to know you” process even longer due to marriage being the last thing in this generation, then being the first thing in the relationship like past centuries when they will marry young. Currently, marriages have been delayed due to this virus having the whole world on hold. In a random survey of 50 Morton East students, 40% of the students reported that they are not dating during COVID-19.

“It’s been good, to be honest, I feel like we grew a better bond especially since he can come over now and be with me all day and help with the baby,” senior Yarily Alfaro said.

This pandemic has made families feel closer and spending more time with their partners and babies.

“I feel like dating now makes people grow a strong bond because you stay more in the house and you have a lot more of communication,” senior Ivett Meraz said.

While some may feel like there is an increase in communication and bonding, there is a risk of putting each other in contact with the virus.

“Dating during covid-19 can be terrifying knowing any physical contact can affect one another unexpectedly,” Cicero resident Alan Lopez said.

Being extremely terrified that you can be exposed to the virus while being with your partner, you always have to be honest with your significant other and warn them about where have you been, or even if you have been in contact with someone, who has been tested positive.

“I think that as long as both people are honest and communicate with each other about whether they have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID, or if they tested positive for COVID (which in that case, they should quarantine or stay apart for 2 weeks!) then it should be okay to date during this time. Since we don’t know when this will be over, I don’t believe it is healthy to simply not date at all. Honesty and communication are the two most important things in any relationship, especially during these times!,” counselor Ms. Alvarez said.