Dating During a Pandemic

On Dec. 6, 2020, Carlos (right) and Maya (left), who began dating in April, pose in front of Carlos' home in Pasadena, Calif. During the pandemic, Carlos and Maya have had to build their relationship around quarantine and social distancing restrictions. So, instead of going out to clubs or the gym (activities they liked to do before covid-19), Maya and Carlos spend most of their time together at each other's homes. (Courtesy of Genesis Jefferson // LMU Lion Editorial Team 2020)

Maya and Carlos relax in Carlos' bedroom watching 'The Founder.' on Dec. 6, 2020. Both are film enthusiasts and regularly enjoy movie marathons and debates about whose film opinion is valid. (Courtesy of Genesis Jefferson // LMU Lion Editorial Team 2020)

In the evenings, Carlos and Maya get the opportunity to socialize with Carlos' roommates. On Dec. 5, 2020, the two compete in a game of Clue. Maya hadn't played before, so Carlos had to explain the rules. (Courtesy of Genesis Jefferson // LMU Lion Editorial Team 2020)

Dec. 6, 2020: During the pandemic, Carlos and Maya committed to eating healthier. When they spend the weekends together, the couple likes to meal prep. (Courtesy of Genesis Jefferson // LMU Lion Editorial Team 2020)

On Dec. 6, 2020, the couple prepared a salad together. (Courtesy of Genesis Jefferson // LMU Lion Editorial Team 2020)

Carlos and Maya go to brunch on Dec. 6, 2020. Maya shows Carlos the new hand sanitizer she bought for them to share. One of Maya's hobbies is shopping, but she hasn't been able to share it with Carlos because of the pandemic. (Courtesy of Genesis Jefferson // LMU Lion Editorial Team 2020)

Though Carlos and Maya spend much of their time together at home, they try to go outside when possible. On Dec. 6, 2020, the two walk around Carlos' neighborhood on their way to brunch. (Courtesy of Genesis Jefferson // LMU Lion Editorial Team 2020)

On Dec. 8, 2020, Abhishek and Ming (on the iPhone) hangout in Abhishek's bedroom in Pasadena, Calif. The couple began dating this year in April, but five months later, in September, Ming moved to Washington D.C. Since then, the two have had stay connected mostly over FaceTime. (Courtesy of Genesis Jefferson // LMU Lion Editorial Team 2020)

Abhishek often works late nights and doesn't get off work until 9 pm PST - which is midnight for Ming on the east coast. By that time, Ming is usually asleep, and Abhishek is already heading to bed. Becuase of this, the two can't talk on most weekdays. On Dec. 8, 2020, Ming stayed up late to talk to Abhishek. (Courtesy of Genesis Jefferson // LMU Lion Editorial Team 2020)

When Ming moved from Woodland Hills, Calif. to Washington D.C., she left Abhishek with many of her things, including a lamp, a monitor, and a bean bag chair. She also left Abhishek with a painting and a shoe rack. Both don't fit in his room and have sat in the hallway since Ming left. On Dec. 8, 2020, Abhishek showed his roommate everything Ming left him. (Courtesy of Genesis Jefferson // LMU Lion Editorial Team 2020)

Dec. 8, 2020: Ming also left Abhishek a couple of trinkets. One of which he keeps on his dresser., next to his action figures. (Courtesy of Genesis Jefferson // LMU Lion Editorial Team 2020)

When Ming is available to FaceTime, she often calls Abhishek while he's cooking dinner. On Dec. 8, 2020, Ming talks to Abhishek and helps him find something to eat besides beer. (Courtesy of Genesis Jefferson // LMU Lion Editorial Team 2020)

Abhishek planned to visit Ming in Washington D.C. on Thanksgiving; the two wanted to see the city and visit National Museums. On Nov. 18, 2020, Ming Facetimed Abhishek to tell him that Washington D.C. shutdown museums and other tourist spots due to a Covid-19 spike. Hearing the news, Abhishek began to wonder if visiting Ming for Thanksgiving was still worth it. (Courtesy of Genesis Jefferson // LMU Lion Editorial Team 2020)

Abhishek decided to visit Ming even though Washington D.C shut down the places on their sightseeing itinerary. On Nov. 27, 2020, the two went to a Top Golf outside of Washington D.C. But for most of the week that Abhishek visited, he and Ming stayed home in quarantine (Courtesy of Genesis Jefferson // LMU Lion Editorial Team 2020)

On Nov. 27, 2020, Abhishek and Ming take off their masks to eat and drink at Top Golf in Germantown, MD. Abhishek could only visit Ming for a few days due to his work schedule. When asked by a roommate how his vacation to see Ming was, Abhishek said that the visit was "too short." (Courtesy of Genesis Jefferson // LMU Lion Editorial Team 2020)