Bumble saw a nearly 70% increase in video calls in early May compared to the number of video calls made in mid-March, which is when a state of emergency was declared in the United States.

For Natalie Saenz, 22, and Daniil Khludov, 24, a stroll around the park together isn’t an option and finding ways to connect virtually has been a necessity.

The couple met at Western Nebraska Community College, where Khludov studied as an international exchange student from Russia. Both moved to Lincoln after earning their associate degrees in 2018, and Khludov moved to Canada in January. Saenz visited him there in February for their two-year anniversary, but the couple haven’t seen in each other in person since.

The two talk via FaceTime every night, Saenz said. They also use technology like Netflix Party, which lets users stream shows with friends online, and they surprise one another by sending food through delivery apps.

“Since the borders are closed and the pandemic is not decreasing, we have no idea when we’ll see each other,” Saenz said.

The effort made by Saenz and Khludov to stay connected is what Toller calls “relational maintenance.”

Relationships begin, and inevitably they end, either in a breakup, divorce or death, Toller said.