This archive report was first published on 23 May 2020.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are finding ourselves stuck at home with our loved ones. But for some, this isolation has become a prison, trapping them in unhappy relationships.
Kat, a 28-year-old woman, is one such individual. She's been living with her fiancé, whom she's fallen out of love with, since February. The couple had a devastating fight that left their relationship on shaky ground, and Kat began contemplating an end to their engagement. However, with the pandemic on the doorstep, she's been forced to put her plans on hold.
"I'm sure other couples would find it sad and depressing," Kat said. "They would end up staying together for their everyday wellbeing rather than thinking about deep down what is right for them."
With the lockdown in place, Kat has been unable to make calls to friends or family to ask for advice, and has been forced to secretly communicate with her confidants through messages. She's worried about her partner's stress and the potential for bitterness to build up during their prolonged isolation.
"It's also a hard thing to bring up with family in the first place when you've been together for so long and they think everything is fine," Kat said.
As the lockdown continues, Kat anxiously watches the news, waiting for the day when she'll be able to make her move and start a new life. But for now, she's stuck in a situation that's both painful and uncertain.
"I think we both know it's a very uncertain time, the world is in a very fragile place right now. Needless to say, we will both be upset. Sometimes nobody is right or wrong," Kat said.
