“The impacts of crises are never gender-neutral,” according to a UN study the economic toll of COVID-19 on women released in September 2020. The study delves into the many ways the current pandemic has overwhelmingly impacted women financially.

Women have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns. But, there have also been several tales of strength and bravery during this period.

We released a series called "A Pandemic Year for Women" on International Women's Day 2021. These essays were written by women who overcame the challenges of becoming mothers, writers, healthcare workers, and individuals struggling to navigate through an unprecedented era.

‘A Pandemic Year for Women' on Firstpost.

I paired with someone on Hinge four days into the national lockdown. He responded to my photo by remarking that I was an artist. I was healing from a relationship with someone who had "read" my messages but would not reply. Eventually, we both admit that we are searching for something ‘long-term’.

I am an independent artist who spends time working alone. The lockdown was only for three weeks and I didn’t mind being alone. I started feeding dogs and cats in my neighborhood and cooking exotic dishes. I was at ease and happy, certain that it would all be over soon. The lockdown however prolonged. We started talking.

Majority of my romantic relationships began on the internet. I first went online when I was 16 years old, and it’s my 25th year online. “What is an online friend?” people would ask earlier. That's not real; not as deep as meeting people in person. People now watch Netflix with others while living in various locations, have virtual dates, sexting, getting naked on their screens, and exposing themselves to strangers.

I was concerned about where my Hinge individual stood on the political spectrum as we started getting closer. With so much confusion, I couldn't turn away from a source of solace, comfort, and security. Someone who would answer, and make me feel seen. I wanted to feel protected, wanted, and seductive. So we kept on.

Relationships had previously frightened me upto the extent that I would reject people before they do it. But, it was different with the Hinge guy. In August, we were about to meet.

I was both excited and anxious. We had developed our relationship entirely online. Meeting him meant that we would lose the comfort we had with each other. There was a risk that one of us wouldn't get along with the other.

I decided to meet more often. He was always busy and confessed to being a workaholic. He didn't have time and I was too eager. I was enraged. He couldn’t visit me on my birthday. I was dissatisfied and worked to control my anger. I was able to attain some harmony and understanding.

The disparity developed as new demands. I was getting tired of digging deeper. I didn't want to wear my acceptance as a badge of honor. Because of my weight of hopes, I was concerned that he would break up. It was all weighing heavily on my mind and we both fell sick.

I eventually told him I liked him. Knowing he wouldn't be able to satisfy my needs was preferable to being hopeful. We agreed to go our separate ways so that we wouldn't hurt each other anymore.

Over the next few months, we eased out of each other’s lives. To my comrade in adversity, Thank You for making me feel secure during the dark days of the pandemic. Thank you for coming my way and I hope curiosity will lead us onto new bountiful paths.