Much has been written about the challenges and limitations that COVID-19 has put on teens when it comes to the loss of school and sports, but not as much has been said about another important aspect of teen life, relationships and dating.

Whether they can see each other or not, couples are doing their best to navigate the limitations imposed by social distancing during the pandemic.

Of course, teens are helped by technology and social media. Being apart is probably not as isolating as it would have been for their parents or grandparents generations, but Facetime is not exactly what most teens would consider a date.

Some couples have continued to see each other by including their significant other in their quarantine circle.

Their reasoning goes like this: if each of the couple’s families has been following social distancing protocol since day one and avoiding contact with others, then what’s the harm in the couple hanging out?

Thus, many teen couples have become each other’s “quarantine buddy.” Essentially, it is one person you hang out with during quarantine. This is what many couples have agreed upon in these trying times.

Despite the circumstances, senior Nathan Walk and sophomore Paige Shultz have agreed on seeing each other during the stay at home orders, while limiting how much they go out.

“It doesn’t really affect us much because we are still able to see each other and spend time together,” said Walk.

Even though many places and usual date activities are closed, Walk said that he and Shultz still enjoy staying at home, hanging out, and watching movies together.

They believe that not seeing other friends as much and not going out like they used to has actually made their relationship stronger.

While the circumstances may be healthy for some, it has been destructive for others.

Many couples that have been unable to see each other and have separated as a result of the quarantine.

One TAHS couple, who will remain anonymous because they don’t want to publicize their recent breakup, partially blame the coronavirus for the end of their relationship.

“It’s really hard to keep that emotional connection with the other person when you’re not allowed to see them. Usually the feelings just slowly fade away, but that’s not the case for everyone,” said a TAHS student about their recent breakup.

It’s sad to see couples part and it would be very difficult enduring the heartbreak during quarantine, as most people aren’t allowed to see their friends.

These are unique times and couples are finding ways to deal with it together, or apart.. But that’s what teen relationships are all about, some are flourishing while others are perishing.