The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on relationships.
While the outbreak has been a blessing for some couples, others are facing their biggest challenges yet.
Gary De Noia, from New Jersey, US, has been worrying about his unconventional relationship.
He says he's been dating a ghost called Lisa for two years.
But the 36-year-old says the relationship is on the rocks due to fears his ghostly girlfriend is cheating.
In an exclusive interview with Daily Star Online, the unemployed American opened up about his troubles.
For the first month in lockdown, Gary said he was inseparable from Lisa.
Apparently, he enjoyed plenty of sex with the ghoul as they had bags of time to spend together.
He said: “At first, we spent every day together for a month. Jersey City was an epicentre early on during this, especially where we live.
“And I’m by nature a very anxious person. On top of not being able to see my family or nieces, I was feeling very afraid.
“I’m usually the strong one in the relationship but I was just too overwhelmed to hold it together. In that month, Lisa was my rock.
“She’d help me cook and fold laundry. Watch loads of TV. And obviously have sex. All the time. It was fun, but exhausting.
“I’m not in great shape, so it was hard to keep up. Being on strict lockdown we had to find creative ways to be sexually adventurous.”
The couple weren’t just getting naughty under the sheets, Gary said he shared an intimate moment with Lisa on the roof of their building.
And on another occasion, they apparently had sex on a pizza counter.
But all that’s changed now for the loved-up pair.
According to Gary, ghostly Lisa has broken lockdown rules – and the loved-up bloke worries she's been visiting other men while he's cooped up at home.
He continued: “This past month she’s out all the time. Never tells me where she’s going. Just says she’s going ‘out with friends’.
“She could be anywhere with anyone. And I’ve always felt secure in our relationship, but lately we haven’t been having much sex.
“I’m worried that she’s cheating on me. She says I’m being paranoid.
"I mean I’m not crazy, am I? It just doesn’t make any sense. I can understand wanting space, but something just feels off.”
Relationships
As his insecurities are getting the better of him, Gary is unable to talk to his parents and sister about it.
He explained: “They’re too stressed out about other things.
"Growing up in Italian-American culture, I was raised not to burden people with my problems.
“But occasionally I FaceTime with my best friend Chris, and he thinks cabin fever is making me paranoid.
"He said it’s obvious how much Lisa loves me. Everyone can see it.
“Things are rocky for the first time ever."
Gary added: "It’s possible this is all in my mind and I’m overthinking it. Isolation is taking its toll.”
Despite his cheating fears, Gary, who celebrated his 36th birthday on Monday, planned a special day with Lisa.
He revealed: “We planned to have a Star Wars (and sex) marathon.”
Things might not be smooth for the couple now, but we hope Gary and his partner will be in good spirit again soon...
