“Rae McDaniel, a certified sex therapist and founder of Practical Audacity, says that connecting with our loved ones may look different during the pandemic, and these “alternative ways of connecting simply may not completely meet your needs. And that’s OK.” They say there should be an acknowledgment “that we are going through collective withdrawal and grief about not being able to be with everyone that we love.” McDaniel says we should acknowledge that we miss someone in this “abnormal time.” McDaniel does note that the pandemic will likely strain partnerships. “Being forced to isolate from communities of friends and lovers alike can be extremely difficult when community is a main source of connection, meaning, and a feeling of belonging,” they explain.
