Sanitised elbow-bump for biohazard girlfriend

OPINION I’ve just moved in with a boyfriend for the first time. He’s a thrilling home chef and pleasant enough to be around. But I expected it to be a bit more romantic. I’d heard domestic life could be passionless, but the man is treating me like a biohazard and has me set up on a blow-up mattress in the spare room of his apartment. I am a journalism student and I just returned home from a semester exchange program in Denmark. It was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. About a week ago, I called my boyfriend Liam in the middle of the night and, through tears, asked if he would take me in. I’ve read a lot of trashy articles about how to get your boyfriend to take the next step in your relationship, but, not even a veteran Woman’s Weekly columnist could cook up something this wickedly creative. Now in Geraldton, the closest Liam and I are getting is the occasional sanitised elbow-bump. I am required to go into isolation for 14-days. I am not allowed to have visitors, go to public places or interact physically with anybody outside of the home. I also had to provide details at the border about where I would be living. It’s tempting to complain about how boring it is to be in isolation, but there are things way harder than living in your pyjamas and looking longingly at the ocean from your bedroom window. My baby sister is a nurse at Bunbury Hospital who is preparing for the most difficult year of her working life. Staying inside is the least we can do for the brave people in our healthcare industry. So far, it has been a disturbing year for many people. It’s also been very sobering. I’ve learnt that when things get wobbly, it’s soothing to be home with those who are important to you. For me, that’s Liam, my friends and family, and the big bright West Australian sun. *** For coronavirus information go to: COVID-19 statistics WA Healthy WA coronavirus info WA Gov advice on the COVID-19 for the community and businesses Dept Health WA locations visited by confirmed cases Australian government coronavirus resources National Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080