Nor could she have expected the bond she would later forge with fellow brand mascot, Flo from Progressive.

The stress of the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic only worsened the situation.

“Our real world was so small that the internet felt like everything,” Vayntrub told the Times.

Split image of Stephanie Courtney and Milana Vayntrub smiling

And in that small world, an allegiance was formed between Vayntrub and Stephanie Courtney.

Vayntrub recalled that Courtney was a kind, empathetic listener.

Stephanie Courtney smiling

Milana Vayntrub speaking, looking to side