Marriage During Quarantine • 12.9.20

2020 has been rough on everyone in a variety of ways, but it brought new challenges to many couples who found themselves at home with each other for long periods of time. We'll discuss the specific difficulties of 2020, and how the year has changed our relationship.
📅 DECEMBER 2020 • • Face ID DOES Work In T...
❤️ SUPPORT • / stephengeorg
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🎵 "Seasons" by Delicate Steve
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1 Year Ago: • Time To Gear Up For Th...
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3 Years Ago: • I Sincerely Wish That ...
4 Years Ago: • Corn and Poop • 12.9.16
5 Years Ago: • Inspirobot (Day 2206 -...
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7 Years Ago: • Turkey Chowder (Day 14...
8 Years Ago: • Kitty Update (Day 1111...
9 Years Ago: • A Letter That I've Bee...
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11 Years Ago: • Edit (x8) (Day 15 - 12...
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#Marriage #Relationships #Quarantine

[@summerwasabummer]

Hey Stephen and Mal :) My bf and I are both 23 years old and have been together for four years, and we’ve been living together for most of that time. I can pretty confidently say that this whole crisis has done nothing but bring us closer because we’re both obviously upset with the state of the world, and we talk about everything going on A LOT. It feels a little bit like an “us versus the world” type of thing. We’re both thankful to have each other to lean on during this time. We also both look forward to our meals A LOT more, which I remember you mentioned in a previous vlog. I’ve been watching your videos since I was 12 (so almost half my life) and you and Mal have always set an example for me when it comes to what to expect from a healthy relationship. Thank you for your positive influence!

[@mengie87]

Beautiful comment! 💕. Stephen and Mal truly set a standard for a healthy and loving relationship. I hope to have that unconditional love and supportive partnership some day, and I'm older than them 😊.

[@yoshithekid18]

For a topic vlog how about “What is it like working for home and for yourself” For Stephen “How do you think working for a company the length you have done let’s plays would feel like” and for Mal “What do you think the biggest differences between working for someone and yourself are?”

[@CrazyGirlEspeon]

I was already homebound before the pandemic. It literally took until November for me to first feel uncomfortable about not going places. Went on a walk with my husband and I was fine.

[@MarcelaR-L]

Your hair is starting to look really good now Stephen!

[@IcyCreamStar]

While my relationship's situation is somewhat different than Stephen and Mal's, there are definitely parallels to the emotional support aspects of it. My boyfriend and I entered 2020 in a long distance relationship, so we couldn't quarantine in the same household. When crap hit the fan in March, I moved back home from college and my boyfriend's started attending his classes from home. We had to cancel our travel plans to see each other. Because we were both stuck in our rooms, him and I ended up being in voice calls much longer than before, to the point where some days we never hung up. While it felt nice, there was definitely an adjustment period where we needed to change our social batteries to be able to talk to each other more often. We needed to set new boundaries between ourselves so we both didn't end up with extra emotional "baggage." That being said, we both feel like we've come out of 2020 as a stronger couple. Now we are more in tune with each other's emotions, we have learned how to better support each other, and we can communicate our feelings much easier. Of course we argued, compromised, and cried, but every one of those moments brought us closer. 2020 hurt but if 2020 was good for anything, it taught him and I that with lots of effort, work, and communication, love can weather any storm (or any terrible, horrendous year). :)

[@dynamokota]

Still 100% on the 'Milk is better than pure water in hot cocoa" train. I use hot water for the heat, but I fill a good 1/3 of the cup with milk and a bit of heavy cream because I prefer it creamy.

[@arosbastion7052]

i gotta hard agree with mal on the milk vs water thing

[@ThePisceanDragon]

In the Before Times, I was struggling to have any time off with my family, so on my birthday I wished I could spend more time with them. My birthday is March 8th. Sorry everyone. 2020 is my fault. In all honesty, y’all put it really well in terms of the marriage becoming stronger through all this, but there’s also a very real need to be with other people too. I will add that my husband and I take turns freaking out about stuff. For example: election night. My husband could not sleep. Could not stop refreshing the results. It wasn’t until I reminded him about the mail in ballots that he was even able to relax and fall asleep.

[@bailey6304]

Sorry Stephen, but I'm gonna have to side with Mal. Hot chocolate is always better with milk. It adds for flavour, and makes it have a more "comfy" feeling, for lack of a better word. Also, milk has tons of nutrients, so it's a nice way of slipping a bit of those into your day.

[@Lazer_Specter]

Agreed. Water is I guess if you want the pure cocoa flavour. Another reason why milk is better.

[@ArgenteonYT]

@@Lazer_Specter Water if you like the flavor of wet chocolate. Stephen is an insane person.

[@Lazer_Specter]

@@ArgenteonYT 😂 true. It's just wet powdered cocoa. It's not even chocolate cause there's no milk. 😂

[@elenna1237]

Milk is SO much better than water in hot chocolate

[@IAmMissingnoMaster]

Agreed. You want good hot chocolate, you make it with milk. I have had it made with water before, and, like... no. Just, no. Milk makes it smoother, richer, tastier.

[@ba42w79]

Topic vlog on Mal moving to a different state and away from family! Was it hard? How long did it take you to adjust? Do you ever want to move back to Wisconsin? Edit: how different is South Carolina for you? Lol

[@Joseph-li3df]

Stephen's hair has gotten so long It's actually strating to look good again

[@theeviljake]

I can't wait till this is all over and we get another Haircut HI cue

[@Smile936]

The Evil Jake Is...is this a play on the name of a Qing dynasty men’s ponytail, or did you mean a “haiku”?

[@theeviljake]

@@Smile936 I ment Haiku, i misspelled it and that was what popped up for the spell correct so i thought that was what it was lol

[@toonthewindwaker4448]

i think it’s looked great the whole time 😔

[@theeviljake]

@@toonthewindwaker4448 It looks fine, but i still enjoyed the haircut haiku's, just a fun bit from the vlogs that i always enjoy seeing

[@Lazer_Specter]

The guitar music in the background makes this really chill.

[@tantheman0921]

Yeah. I agree 👍

[@citrusslimreaper]

Cuz when you're here, you're family.

[@PalPlays]

@@citrusslimreaper This community is the best :)

[@SebsBowser]

grandpa and grandma’s podcast?

[@TrainerShyGuy]

As someone who is in a long distance relationship during the pandemic. (Hi Sarah, I know you watch these.) It's been extremely, extremely, difficult at times. Some days it feels like you'll never see each other. The other day I felt hopeless because I just wanted to see this girl from Wisconsin and I'm stuck in Canada. But I looked up at my picture of her and just smiled. I know it sounds corny, but true love really does triumph over anything. Distance, Pandemics, doesn't matter. I know one day I'll get to see her in person and it'll all be worth it and it's that little thing that keeps me going.

[@StephenStaver]

Stephen + Mal are relationship goals.

[@nb_nic]

Topic vlogs are back! Yay! I always enjoy getting to hear your thoughts on various subjects and have been wanting topic vlogs back for awhile now! Glad to see an old vlog staple making a return :)

[@nishka_w]

I've been at home with my very toxic family, and it really took a toll mentally. Luckily I was able to save a lot of living at home and am now closing on a condo so I can live on my own finally. Quarantine has really made me value my space (both physical and mental boundaries).

[@linkwolf44]

Imagine if you and mal were still long distance during quarantine I'm not married but it's what I'm going through right now

[@PGReviews_]

Same here man.

[@cinderdog]

same

[@TrainerShyGuy]

Same here, I was going to see my long distance girlfriend for the first time this year. It was going to be a surprise for her graduation. A month before I was supposed to go, everything locked down and I'm stuck here in Canada while she's over in Wisconsin. It's really hard and will even be downright terrible some days. But with the right person you can make it through, and I hope you and anyone else in the same situation make it through.

[@linkwolf44]

@@TrainerShyGuy I was gonna go see my gf on new years but where I live is getting bad again and I got a neice that's high risk and a father that's high risk so I cant see her til probably summer :(

[@TrainerShyGuy]

@@linkwolf44 That really sucks man, I hope you're able to go see her soon!

[@nikki4012]

Also I topic I would love to hear about, if Mal is comfortable with it, is hearing more about her teaching experience and advice for future teachers. I'm on the fence myself, and I would love to hear some advice.

[@krizeros]

2020 can’t alter my relationship If i never had one :’)

[@KodyPupper]

My lifelong goal is to have a relationship as healthy as yours. Seeing you two so consistently happy together always makes me so happy.

[@leahg180]

My boyfriend and I moved in together very suddenly at the beginning of quarantine because my school closed. He did switch to working from home and I used to be in class and in a different city then him so we spend a lot more time together now. There were some logistical challenges finishing up my last semester of classes (like pulling an all-nighter on a call with my group project members in his room because that's the only room with good wifi), but now that we're both working and on the same schedule it has smoothed out logistically. Our biggest challenge now is finding ways to introduce miniscule amounts of variety into our routine when before, outside factors would basically do that for us. The other challenge has been learning how to give each other space and not feeling bad if we're not interesting or don't have things to talk about.

[@QuackTeamJames]

Loving this new style for some days. I know we have breakfast stream but more vlogs chilling with mal are great 👍

[@lifrael]

Honestly it's been really difficult and in a way really easy. Me and my girlfriend talk all the time but we live apart both with vulnerable people. Every attempt to move in together has fallen through and neither of us can bare the thought of potentially catching and passing the virus to each others family and having to travel to see each other. I have only seen her twice this year once before it all started and once when the cases got really low in the UK. But on the flip side I work in a rapid test development company we have been heavily involved with Covid so there's been a lot to keep me busy and distracted. But it has made us stronger and realising that of we can get through this then we can get through absolutely anything. You guys are a huge inspiration and breath of fresh air to unwind with so thank you for sharing your lives with us it has helped a lot 😊

[@Darbicus1]

Your marriage survived the great Minecraft poison incident of 2012. This pandemic is nothing.

[@zappynaruto]

Are there any updates on student loans? Any tips for paying them off and still being able to enjoy life?

[@xjg]

You two are relationship goals. Also I love your hair Stephen. Still think you should cosplay Otacon

[@BubblingBrooke]

Honestly for me? I'm thankful I have my husband through all this. This was the first year of our marriage funnily enough and our anniversary is tomorrow(!); kinda wild when I think about it. There was no real adjustment period and him switching to working from home was actually better because I love him and having him around. Despite 2020 being what it is, it was the first year my husband and I no longer had to be apart after a 6 year long distance relationship.

[@ThunderHam]

As someone who is single all I can say is: 66% hot water, 33% fridge temperature milk. That’s the best way to make hot chocolate in my opinion.

[@twitchyswitchy433]

0:44 Adding cinnamon to hot cocoa is an old Navy trick. Makes it delish!

[@NaviNeku24]

How much cinnamon do you typically add to the cocoa? I’d like to try it, myself!

[@sythestar]

@@NaviNeku24 Cinnamon is a deceptively strong spice, so definitely just add a little bit at a time till it tastes how you like it.

[@twitchyswitchy433]

@@NaviNeku24 2-3 dashes are about what I use, but do it to your taste.

[@wjamesmci]

I want cinnamon hot cocca now... Also please make hot cocca as a drink option for breakfast stream :) also as a person who loves hugs and unfortunately it's not safe to do so right now :(

[@lnklingbrooke3828]

i have a question: if COVID never happened, would you see yourself any different than you are now?

[@LesPlays]

Y'all stay safe, I barely ever comment but I've been watching for... 7 years. It makes me happy to see y'all doing well. My marriage failed, and it makes me happy to see y'all still going strong. Much love to you guys and everyone in the comments as well.

[@TheChimera70]

I actually started a relationship during quarantine. It sucks not being able to see each other as much but its forced me to find better ways to communicate and treasure the time I get to see her

[@chechoearthbound8511]

Careful mal

[@nataliemair3861]

Hearing you talk about all of this is nice to hear, you two are very lucky. I almost got into a relationship but the guy that was asking me for inappropriate stuff so he lost his chances. That was literally the only time a guy has ever had interest in me. I think I’ve learned more about my family dynamic this year than I ever have previously, and it’s very toxic. I was determined to get a job this year, but the pandemic stopped me from being able to do anything except work on my dream project. This year has had its ups and downs for me: -My fave artists released new music this year, one of them I didn’t get into until after they released the first set but I love them so much. -Some nasty bs occurred towards the end of July and showed a fandom I was proud to be a part of’s true colors, which basically forced me to leave the fandom and caused me a lot of mental problems -My family adopted an adorable (loud and whiny) black cat, I swear he’s like a mix of Sagan and Kepler, he’s so funny. He is VERY violent with his toys and attacks the scratching post/cat tree with bunny kicks, but he is also the biggest love bug and hates being picked up just like Keppy. -I almost filled out an application for a job and then the cases went crazy so I decided that, until I had the vaccine in my system, I would not be getting any job outside of my home -Since I am turning 21 this year, and my original plans to visit Vegas went out the window, I asked my dad for something that I’ve dreamt about owning for years that will start helping me improve my drawing skills so I can finally stop using premade poses and stock art. So far, other than maybe me dealing with nasty vertigo (that I’ve tried multiple things for but none of them worked or made it worse) that I really need to see a doctor about, the last two months of the year haven’t been too terribly bad. Earlier in the final six months of the year though 🤦🏻‍♀️. I had a mental breakdown in front of my parents back in (I think) September basically saying the one thing I wanted most of all above every silly/stupid material thing I asked for for Christmas, was to finally see a therapist and get my mental health problems sorted out. Both of them felt bad and told me I shouldn’t have to ask for something like that for Christmas, but the truth is that I cannot afford to see one and I wasn’t exactly in the best mental state. Sorry that this got long, while this year has been dark and stormy (and frankly embarrassing and shameful at times), there have been little glimmers of hope and light coming through the clouds. I hope that next year will be better, but the bar has been set pretty low, so I don’t know. I have some exciting plans for 2021 that I cannot wait to start! I just need to finish working on some stuff before I can do anything else

[@This-Present-Darkness]

For me, my partner still has to commute to work so I’m now home all day by myself. I depend on him a lot even before 2020 because he’s a huge emotional support for me. But now, being an extrovert at home all the time alone is extremely damaging for me. He’s been so wonderful this whole time while ive been breaking apart at the seams. Last spring when he was working from home, it was great. He got off work and we could just hang out because he wasn’t getting home late because of his commute. I miss it a lot. But I know him going to his physical work place is really good for him.

[@mattemery5596]

I feel like 2020 has certainly been a test for us, I think. My pandemic started in a similar way yours did- with loss. My grandfather passed away on Valentine's Day, and was buried on the anniversary of the day my other grandfather passed. During the pandemic, we're "essential" workers, me being in retail and her in healthcare, so we've both been under a tremendous amount of stress this year, and couple with with having a rambunctious now 1yr old in a little 2 bedroom apartment, things can certainly get tough. Our day to day hasn't changed much because we still both go to work every day, but there are days where we come home so beaten down, that we all we can really do is just be there for each other, even of we don't really talk much, and even that helps. We know at the end of the day, we have each other, and our daughter, and some days, thats just enough.

[@veteranJMacfan]

For me, the only thing that's really changed this year is that I'd more or less been working from home since late March. I'm in my 30's and still live at home. We've been close already but this year has brought us closer. My dad also works from home and I'd been able to listen to various conversations he'd had with co-workers about various things. And it's his last year before retiring so that's gonna be a big change. I'm thankful to have you and Mal and videos from Emile and Masae to help keep my mind off everything this year. It's the best escape. I also find I'm spending a lot less time on Facebook and Twitter just because everything has gotten so toxic. But KZbin has been a nice safe space at the end of the day.

[@tss3393]

My wife and I commented to each other as we were watching this, and for better or worse, we definitely feel like we've gotten closer this year. There was a lot of good we were able to do together, like help my wife's boss with video production throughout the pandemic. I'd never worked on a project with her before, and we had a blast. But along with the pandemic and onslaught of heavy-hearted news, we really had to step up our care for our dog Molly as her health was failing--right up until we sadly had to make the call to say goodbye last month. If anything, that's been what's been the hardest part of this year for us. But through this roller coaster, I'd say we've learned to value each other even more than we did and to stay dedicated to the time we have to spend with each other.

[@kimberlyallen8975]

2020 has been...an interesting year for me XD I moved back to my parents house in March after living on my own, and it took a bit of getting used to. But I feel like I've grown closer to my family. I also (somehow) managed to secure my first post-college full time job! The only thing that seriously sucks is that my boyfriend and I are in an LDR and I haven't seen him in person in over a year. So its not like our relationship has been affected that much. I miss him every day but whenever I'm frustrated I think about how I'll see him again soon after this is all over. There is a light at the end of the tunnel!

[@oldramen373]

can confirm that hugs are top tier the the world needs more of them

[@TheViolaBuddy]

Oh, it's Breakfast Stream, but not at breakfast. And also without live chat. And about something reasonably serious rather than about "what would happen if you made chicken tenders into cereal" or something like that. So, uh, not much like Breakfast Stream after all. But the tripod camera + Stephen on left/Mal on right gives a very similar vibe.

[@icechocobo96]

I loved my question was the first topic vlog of December! ❤ I had to moved out from the city to the country because I graduated from my undergrad and obviously due to CoVid. My human interaction has dramatically shrink and I miss feeling connected to everything. I feel like my relationship with my mom has gotten stronger because I always asking her questions and discussing various topics

[@Hurt_mama]

It's good to see even though you guys are so strong before you guys getting stronger together. No relationship is perfect and we do only see what you share but your relationship is goals honestly. 2020 so strangely good for my relationship with my husband was really hard on our relationship. I think we're better because we went through it together. I went into quarantine 4 weeks pregnant we were trying all of last year and then right as we got pregnant the world shutdown. We had a five-year-old already and my husband got switched to completely night shift so he was either sleeping when he was here or gone. But we work through it and now we have a beautiful baby girl along with our son and we're doing really well.

[@JohnsDrams]

2020 has been an odd one for me in that I started dating a guy just before the pandemic hit and so for the entire year the relationship is kind of stalled at that slightly awkward first stage - but we still talk and are still interested in each other so that's been one of the things helping me get through the year. A childhood friend of mine just got engaged, so I guess they didn't find the year so bad either.

[@somemikekid]

Hot chocolate with milk is chocolate milk. They're completely different drinks. Hot chocolate is made with water. Hot chocolate with milk is chocolate milk. Chocolate milk is better, btw.

[@DaileyDoseOfJoseph]

Milk > Water My life has changed this year, but differently. I previously never went out with friend's. I just went to work, went home, paid my bills, and played videogames. However, at the end of last year, I made some friendships that changed my interest in hanging out with friends. This was the worst year for that, but we've made due. I have seen more of my friend's now this year than any year before. Built PCs at my house for them, gone on unique shopping trips with them, gone out to eat. All within a rational level of safety. We really only go out with others who have retail jobs as well so that we know we're all at a similar level of exposure.

[@crimsongamer2337]

I was living with my parents at the time, it wasn't great by any means. I didn't get along with my Mum and never really have, so living with her was difficult. A lot of the time, I just kept to myself, working away in my room. At least tho I had my Dad who kept me going while I was living there, before my parents got divorced. Now I have my own place and only go to see my Dad. I've tried to get on with my Mum, but she's still the way she's always been :/

[@KillFriskey]

Man, this year has been one of the absolute worst years ever, and I had about a month head start on 2020 when my mom passed around this time last year. That being said, I'm very grateful that me and my girlfriend's relationship has adjusted really good (oh my god, we so totally do the things that you & Mal do at 8:13) during all of...THIS. There's times where we both need our space (and in my house it's a pain) but we both feel like that with each other, we have grown stronger because of it. 2021 will be our 5-year anniversary together but even before then, this Christmas is going to be special for a certain reason. 💍 (She has no idea who you guys are, so I'm okay with saying it here. :P)

[@stephmufffin]

I went through a really dramatic break up in February. I was soooo grateful to move to working from home just a couple weeks later in March. It was just mentally a lot better for me to be able to be home, comfy, in my sweats, able to cry and look like a mess and not worry about being professional or presentable in front of coworkers. I'm mostly over that now and still working from home. So I guess my relationship with him changed before quarantine, obviously, but I think my relationship with myself has grown and improved a lot over this year. I'm taking care of myself and growing as a person. As crappy as a year 2020 has been, there's also been some upsides. Looking forward to a less crappy 2021.

[@Rudrake]

Not really a topic but a question I’ve had for a while. Whatever happened to your pal Jeremy and his wife Sydney? Been a long time since I’ve seen or heard about them.

[@thisiswhatiusetocomment1855]

I'm not in a relationship but I live with my mom and sister. Overall I don't think our relationship has changed much during 2020. However, I think I've found myself holding my problems to myself more. I know that everyone is having a rough time so I don't want to burden them with my problems so I feel I may have distanced myself more from my family and friends. So in short I guess I have held in my problems more than usual during 2020

[@MizukiACelestine]

2020 made my relationship with my fiance so much stronger. When the pandemic started, I lost my job. So though I've been receiving unemployment, he was doing his best with earning enough money to take care of the both of us. We've had the financial talks so many times over the months. In addition, we made the decision of moving out of our previous place (because we had a very toxic landlord), and now we're as happy as we could be, mental health-wise. It has been a strange year.

[@TsunamiKitten56]

My boyfriend and I have been living together since August 2019, so our being together isn't an issue. I think we've grown much closer and our relationship (even after 6 years) has gotten much stronger.

[@tmthycnnlly]

So I had a very weird situation of being long distance for a year and a half to moving in with my partner and suddenly LOCK DOWN. Fair to say it was quite an adjustment period but thankfully it's worked out and couldn't be happier right now

[@TheBellaBunny]

I think 2020 has made my year and a half marriage to Sasquatch much much stronger than it already was, which was already really strong. We have always been able to share feelings with each other, hold one another if one feels down, and celebrate good times and support through bad. In the beginning it was terrifying because I’m at risk and he works for a grocery store, so the first three months of lockdown were pure hell. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. We got through this together so far. We will carry on.

[@kattystock]

Stephen needs to do a blind taste test of the hot chocolates. So does Mal

[@MoonlightCharizard]

I live in Canada and my boyfriend lives in England, and the two of us work from home. So we are literally spending 22 hours a day in a Discord call, and we are not getting sick of each other, somehow. We talk, we laugh, we hang out, we chill, we watch animes and films, play games remotely together, trying to make this year as normal as possible. We were supposed to meet IRL back in June, but yeah. We'll see whenever we can achieve that, but in the meantime, we're enjoying every single moment together, and I love it.

[@seanmeehan9525]

Hey! Long time fan of the vlog here. I don’t mean to offend you guys at all, but I’ve always wondered about the possibility of kids? I know you two would make amazing parents!

[@outbackraider]

My job required me to be out and about, as well as my Girlfriend. On top of that, we had agreed to only move in together until marriage. In Perth AUS, when some of the restrictions started to ease up back in Early May, we were still cautious about the COVID situation in our state and we followed the rules as best as we could while still seeing each-other. But overall it didn’t do much to help with the relationship and we soon split apart in Mid/Late May. We did end things on good terms and we both still talk to each other as friends, but yeah the Pandemic didn’t help at all.

[@kabri2949]

We both ended up working at home for a while, then my husband got laid off. Thankfully, we have separate work spaces. He’s been working on his bachelor’s degree (thermodynamics!). We send cute animal pictures and videos to each other, just we’re doing it from the opposite side of the house instead of from the opposite side of the county.

[@geekybunnycat]

2020 has been kinda strange for my relationship. Not because it's different, but because it's similar in a really weird way. My boyfriend and I went to high school together, but my university is relatively far while he stayed close to home, so we were kinda long-distance. Now we're both home and it's like a thirty minute drive between our houses but we see each other about as frequently as we did when I was up at school. So that's been a bit bizarre. But overall things have been okay on that front. Also, now I want hot cocoa. #MilkSquad

[@dstinnettmusic]

Stephen, hot chocolate with milk is objectively better.

[@lunamoon8066]

This year has been very taxing for me as well. Living in a home with a dysfunctional family has been hard. I also feel a bit closed off at the moment. The world has become so hateful. And, I hope in the future we can all come together again, and be united. I hope 2021 will be a year of love and acceptance. We should all be able to agree to disagree and be kind to one another. (: Best wishes from Massachusetts (:

[@rachieturtle]

This year has been emotionally crazy for me and my boyfriend. We've been in a long distance relationship for 5.5 years now and this year has been filled with disappointment. Both of us have had to work this entire time, we had to cancel his visit, and because of all the stress and trying to live I had to exhaust the bit of savings I had that was going towards moving over to him (he lives in the UK and I in the US). Of course we have been used to being apart but it has been harder this year. We really miss each other and so drained... I just want to hug him again 😢

[@Shiiruuba]

My significant other and I both actually found ourselves out of jobs for the first couple months of our quarantine (I'm from Canada, so we were in almost complete quarantine from March-May), so we spent a lot of time together. It did take a little bit of adjustment, because we live in a one bedroom apartment and have no real privacy or break from one another. But thankfully, it didn't take us long to work things out. If we needed a break from one another, either he or I would just go for a walk, just to get some alone time and clear our heads. But in the end, even if this year has had its struggles, our relationship is stronger than ever before. Because when it comes down to it, we feel like we're a team. And as a team, we'll get through even the biggest challenges together.

[@emmi9283]

I lived alone for 6 months before my boyfriend moved in with me this March right before quarantine in Germany started and it was honestly very difficult 😅 I grew so used to being on my own and doing my own thing at home that having him with me + both of us studying from home was quite difficult to adapt to. But over the year we learned a lot about each other (even though we had already been together for four years) and I think our relationship improved overall, even with the difficulties in spring. We definitely learned to compromise and pay closer attention to each other's moods and feelings, especially since we are working directly next to each other. It also brought us closer together since I also started therapy this year and it's just nice to be able to talk about anything that's on your mind.

[@houndmon]

I kinda got lucky and both unlucky. There are four of us in our apartment, and three of us are currently work from home, and one of my partners is an attorney, so he travels to and from the office daily. The lucky part is two of us are call center workers, so the atmosphere isn’t really different at all, there’s just Guinea pigs running around our feet. Also topic question, especially for Mal, how do you handle/cope with family living in another state, especially with the current travel restrictions? I recently moved from Texas to Massachusetts to be with my partners, and haven’t been able to see my parents or sister since this entire thing started.

[@marcolopez8449]

I broke up with my ex 2 months before covid and honestly hope that her and her family the best. Mentally ive needed help but definitely got the help and looking forward to the future. 2021 was more rough for me than 2020. Feel like im in my head to much.

[@TheZavinskiStories]

2020 has been the first full year in which my fiance and I have lived together. We too have had to rely on each other in every way, and going through tough times so early in our life together inspires us. We can take on anything together, so thanks for showing us that, 2020.

[@CalaCrisp88]

Mal is correct, hot chocolate is absolutely superior with milk. However, it's also perfectly fine with water. I'll often use water, but if when I have milk available I'll always choose that first.

[@harrystubbs713]

Its weried because from the start of lockdown to September the year on a completly personal level has been really good for me. Like basically I was sent home, my Uni course was made 20X easierand it made me pass with ease and for the rest of it I got the luxuary of sitting around playing Video games and having fun for months. My Parents, especially my Dad has said the same thing because he doesnt miss being it work because it is not something he enjoys so we were all in the house together 24/7 which was new but it wasnt bad for us. The end of the year has been hell though and we can all hope things get netter next year. Like I understand it has been a terrible year and I wish it had turned out different. If I was stuck in my Uni Flat I would have went mental ans been alone for months. If anyone in my family got Covid it would be terrible and obviously there was so many other things that happened this year that were terrible but it is just on a completly personal level it hasnt effected me that badly and I am so thankful.

[@jhoss0743]

While I dont have a significant other, this year has ruined plans for meeting up with old friends. We keep in touch via text and social media, which briefly got put on hold due to all the election crap. This year we've learned to improvise being friends while living on different sides of the state. Also, hot cocoa is better with milk :).

[@arcadia4691]

I'm just going to come out and say this; I have called 2020 "the Year of Hell" because it's been horrid. I have a friend, and we've been relying on each other a lot, and I thank god that we have a vaccine, even though getting that out will take time, I'm also amazed that I have managed to avoid the virus, as I more than likely would die as a result of it, as I have asthma.

[@gokurules22]

This year has brought nothing but heart ache for me. My fiance and i of three years, broke up on Christmas day because o f me not being able to find a job and her getting stressed about covering for the both of us. I asked her to marry me. Thinking that you take the good and the bad and work together. Not give up when the going gets tough. It hurt me when she said that she wasn't ready for marriage or kids but, she still loves me and wants to get back together. She was my first. And i thought she was going to be my last and forever one. She's 24 and I'm 32.

[@robinthedeliveryboy.8304]

Sorry, dude, I will side with Mal, not only because I drink with milk too, but, you're the first and only person I know that do it with water.

[@Kian30398]

Me and my partner are long distance and we started seeing one another during quarantine so we've had to become pretty emotionally open quickly because of it. But it has kinda helped our relationship move forward in a way I didn't think it would.

[@jamesmerritt2351]

You guys are so cute! I just got done watching your pikmin 2 LP and I really wanted hear more out of you guys.😚

[@charliebirch6759]

I probably have a bit of an extreme version of this, I was forced to move in with my boyfriend (planned but sooner than planned) and before we’d finished doing up the house so there wasn’t really room for two. But we finished one room to be an office and now we work in the same room together. I get slightly annoyed at how he works but we manage, we both worked in an office with other people before so I suppose that helps. We’re doing good though, it’s been a terrible year but we have each other

[@Spiritet93]

It's nice watching these topic vlogs once ina a while. And it's always good to hear you guys are growing stronger each day, especially 2020

[@charlenehutchison8091]

My husband started a new job in February and was able to work in office for 6 weeks. I got to move down at the beginning of March. I was also pregnant this entire time. I feel like we are closer than ever before. I love having him home with me and our baby if I need him for anything urgent. Its just nice knowing we are safe at home together.

[@enigma1331e]

So what's your advice to people living alone. Void of any human contact? #salOne

[@bettyjane007]

This is a weird request but I have been looking forward to a review of your mattress. I think it's been about a year since you got it and I've been waiting ever since. It doesn't have to be it's own video, but I would really like to see that.

[@playtester6635]

I never could understand what sort of monster would have hot cocoa with water. Its not even an option in coffee shops. Its either milk, almond milk or soy milk.

[@CatsKitKats]

Stephens hair is so long I glanced at the thumbnail and thought it was Steve Harrington from Stranger Things

[@doan2300]

I see a lot more of my mum lately, she is not old enough to shield, she likes coming round and helping me out whenever quarantine lets me. other than that there's not a massive amount of change, I am disabled and mostly in the house, my housemate is a key worker so gets to go out to work, the cat does whatever the heck he wants.

[@12gaSword]

So my wife and i are teachers and “rolling dumpster fire” hits it on the head. However we have been fortunate that our district has been in session all of first semester. We are very close and id say we have been getting closer as well.

[@metamayto]

Since I graduated last year, my life has not changed drastically in 2020. I was going to get a job, but I thought it'd be better to wait on that front. Even though I've been just chilling at home and nothing about 2020 has directly affected my life in any way, just knowing what's happening is anxiety-inducing.

[@tantheman0921]

Yeah I graduated last year as well but nothing too much has happened to me. But I can't wait for this year to be over. I've been chilling at home not doing much. Hopefully 2021 will be a better year for all of us. I really enjoy these topic vlogs. ❤️

[@Mitchell555100]

What is something that quarantine has taught you both that you plan to continue once everything has passed?

[@josephhernandez102]

I wish I had what you guys have. You have such a good relationship and I barely been in one. But I'm glad you guys have such a beautiful relationship

[@Club_Weeg]

As a single person, I do find all of this interesting but I won't lie that I was just ready for the Milk vs Water debate part 2 to start at the beginning and end of the vlog.

[@bomisong7917]

me and my boyfreind fight so much over petty stuff but the next day were find.

[@yoshithekid18]

I’m on mals side. Milk is way better for hot chocolate

[@jordanuziel4604]

what is your favorite meals that you make for each other from the first time you met to now in 2020?-effi

[@ComsonicPlay]

What ours your thoughts about the brexit as your outsiders looking in?

[@Subjecttochannel]

You made that sound like there was such a thing as too much hot coco at 0:47

[@MrDcwestless]

Hot chocolate is always better with milk. No competition there

[@phoenixiceflow5755]

Gotta say I think I’m handling it poorly, My girlfriend and I have been living separately in long distance. I’ve been failing both myself and my partner by not offering a sufficient degree of emotional support and I think I’m losing her.

[@This-Present-Darkness]

You’re probably not looking for advice and I’m really sorry you’re going through this. Maybe share your feelings with her and talk it through?

[@phoenixiceflow5755]

@@This-Present-Darkness thank you friend

[@ChibiFighter]

I lost my mom in September so this year can go straight to hell