Emotion: sadness
Problem: breakup with partner
Situation: I feel very distant with my girlfriend, we haven't spoke in a few days and feels weird when we do.

assistant: Hello. How are you today?

user: Hey, I'm good. Doing well, how are you today?

assistant: Very well, thank you. What's on your mind?

user: My girlfriend and I have been very distant from one another, we do have crazy work schedules and she also goes to school.

assistant: That's tough. How long have you been together?

user: We have been together for 5 years, but lately we have been distant. A few text here and there but I feel like we don't enough effort and it feels weird between us.

assistant: Five years is a long time, and to make a relationship work in the long term, you used the magic word..."effort." Do you live together?

user: We live apart, I think thats the issue. She lives with her family and is closer to her school. Also due to covid and schedule, we are not able to meet in person. We tried virtual, but it takes time and its not really intimate.

assistant: It sounds like you are basically living in a long distance relationship, given the circumstances. It's very hard to make a relationship work when you can't see each other in person. It takes a lot of effort.

user: I think thats the main issue, I'm trying to make it work and I think she is as well; but its hard. I'm not sure what to do. How to cope?

assistant: Do you think she shares your frustration and concern, and if so, have you talked about it with her?

user: We talked about it briefly, but havent spoke about in great detail. I'm just scared, that if we do, maybe we realize its not worth it and breakup.

assistant: How much of this distance between you do you think is related to COVID measures?

user: It is a major issue since we live in NY and NJ, they are strict about lockdown and closing everything. I think its mostly work schedules , we become to tired to video chat. I feel video chatting takes more effort than just being together naturally.

assistant: Video chatting definitely isn't the same, or natural. It does take more effort, certainly. How much did you see each other before COVID?

user: A few times a week. Do you recommend anything? Just have the talk and accept whatever happens. I just dont want to keep on wondering.

assistant: A lot of relationships right now are in "survival mode" due to the pandemic. The only way to make it through is with a lot of effort. This lockdown isn't going to last forever. You just have to make it through. I would definitely suggest you talk to her and make sure you're on the same page, even if that's scary. If she knows you want to find a way to make things work, then she'll work harder, too.

user: Yeah I understand, maybe I should put in more effort because I have less of the crazy schedule. Maybe send her things or send her messages. I feel that she is just working too hard, and maybe is tired and cant make the effort. i should be there and support her virtually if thats what it takes.

assistant: I know you can just about anything delivered out there. I think a gesture of something tangible would be a good idea, whatever it might be. Maybe delivery of flowers and a pizza?

user: I think thats a good idea, I can do that. Maybe be make her day and feel better. Thank you for helping, I probably thought too much of the situation and I'll put in the effort to make it work! Feel a lot better now.

assistant: Just look for ways to stay connected and you'll make it through!

user: Thanks, have a good day!