Mistress reveals the loneliness of being 'the other woman' during self-isolation

Self-isolation and social distancing have forced couples around the world into the confines of their homes, to the joy of some and the irritation of others.

But while so many lovers are now being forced to cohabit 24/7, there are a select few who are being kept apart from their partners by these new measures; the 'other' men and women.

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A mistress has opened up about how lonely it is for her since her boyfriend had to self-isolate with, you know, his wife.

Writing for the Telegraph, the unnamed woman explained her partner "Giles" is now off-limits to her as he self-isolates at home with his wife and children.

"Whatever the moral argument - and believe me I don't feel particularly proud of myself - it's very isolating being a mistress in the time of self-isolation," she writes.

She explains that Giles is unwell, and their contact has been cut off as he is staying inside with his wife and kids.

"Because we both work from home, my conversations with Giles generally take place during the day, while his wife is at work, and before his kids come home from school," she wrote. (He's the main carer).

"But on account of the virus, his wife is now also working from home."

Not only is she missing his daily calls, she's also worried for his health as the coronavirus pandemic sweeps the globe.

With more than 240,000 cases confirmed worldwide, the woman admits she doesn't know what she would do if he fell ill.

"I only have a mobile number (not his landline, which I could obviously never use, anyway)," she admits.

"I don't know his address. I have met his closest male friend, and I suppose if the worst happened, I could contact this guy via Facebook."

Admitting she's "actually quite scared" by the situation, the mistress reveals it's harder now, more than ever, to be the 'other woman'.

She misses her partner, even though he's someone else's partner too, and worries for his health in a time when schools, workplaces, even entire countries are closing down.

While not everyone can relate to being a mistress, we can all relate to the woman's concerns for her love during an unprecedented global crisis.

Not to mention the fact mistresses aren't the only ones being kept from their partners because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Across the world, long-distance couples have been stranded apart by closing borders and travel bans, while husbands and wives who work apart from their families are unable to get home because of lockdowns and quarantine measures.

A newlywed couple has been left trapped on opposite continents after marrying in early March; they were meant to reunite in Paris before moving to London together, but travel bans are keeping them apart.

Coronavirus: What you need to know about social distancing

What is social distancing?

Social distancing involved minimising contact with people and maintaining a distance of over one metre between you and others.

When practicing social distancing, you should avoid public transport, limit non-essential travel, work from home and skip large gatherings.

It is okay to go outdoors. However, when you do leave home, avoid touching your face and frequently wash your hands.

If I'm young and healthy, do I still have to practice social distancing?

Yes. While older people are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19, young people are not immune. People that show mild or no symptoms may still pass the virus to others, particularly in the early stages of the infection, before many patients realise that they are sick.