stock.adobe.com Allison Miller and her boyfriend enjoyed six months of normalcy before the pandemic hit. But their relationship quickly became ”a lot more real” as they went from seeing each other on weekends to working remotely under the same roof. Miller, who was fearful of contracting COVID-19 after nearly dying from the flu in 2014, says that, through it all, her boyfriend was “fantastic, supportive and a blessing.” While some couples have struggled to communicate and agree on COVID protocols during the past year, others have thrived. But experts say the next stage could be a challenge as couples who have grown closer adjust to post-pandemic life.