These have been trying times for many reasons. It’s been very hard for many of us to keep maintaining friendships during this difficult time.
Our physical health has been at risk for months as the possibility of infection due to COVID-19 looms. Mental health has also suffered due to stay-at-home orders and social distancing.
The emotional and social shifts have caused many of the relationships we took for granted to fray.
Why? Because friendship takes work, much like tending a garden. Several components that nurture and sustain friendships are depleted or drying up right now.
Yet, all is not lost to our COVID disconnect. It’s still possible to feed your friendships despite the obstacles of pandemic separation.
When You Can Only Video Chat
Right now, the best way for many of us to stay connected to one another is through video chat. Although the technology was well established before COVID-19, its use has exploded since the start of the pandemic. Interestingly, what has happened is that groups of friends are now using video chat and conferencing to create virtual hangouts.
Perhaps in the past, you got together with some friends for beers at a local bar. Or maybe you hosted a backyard evening get together over wine. Well now, those casual social get-togethers are happening online. People are evening holding dinner parties and movie screenings by video conference!
Experiment with the Ancient Art of Letter Writing
It’s hard to believe, but hardly anyone actually writes letters anymore. In fact, if you are under a certain age you’ve probably never written a letter with pen and paper before! So, why not give it a try now?
Try writing to a few close friends, and see how they respond. When the days seem to run into each other, simple pleasures like a note in the mail can lift spirits and build emotional bonds. If you are not the most skilled at writing lengthy letters, try postcards instead!
Maintain Friendships with a Daily Phone Call
Another seemingly outdated form of communication? The phone call. Let’s face it, many of us just use the handset to send text messages these days. But why not make a call to your friend? For close friends, a daily phone call goes a long way towards cultivating friendships. It’s more personal than a text and is more satisfying than using a messaging app.
Using Social Media to Keep Maintaining Friendships
There are many reasons why people struggle with social media these days. A wealth of articles and blog posts have been written about the negative aspects of this technology. However, there are positives too.
For instance, your friend group might create its own discussion group to chat and keep up. Or, social media is helpful for reengaging old relationships if you notice a post or comment from a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Furthermore, there are so many special interest groups on social media.You can join and develop new friendships too.
Seeing Each Other Responsibly
Ultimately, there is no substitute for hanging out with your friend in-person. But how can you do that responsibly without creating a safety risk? Keep these factors in mind:
- Maintain at least six feet of distance
- Keep gatherings outdoors
- Wear masks and clean your hands periodically
In a nutshell, a safer visit could involve an agreement to meet at a park. You would both bring your own chairs or blanket and sit six feet or more apart to chat. Perhaps you might each bring your own beverages and snacks too. When you can’t maintain social distancing, wear a mask with a good fit. Follow the expectations in your area, as well as local health department guidelines. Then, enjoy catching up.
COVID-19 has presented many challenges to maintaining friendships. Yet, despite the necessary emotional and physical distance, it is possible to keep cultivating closeness. In fact, demnstrating that you ae willing to make the extra effort to connect during this trying time might help your friendships thrive.
Still, if you are struggling with isolation and loneliness, don’t struggle alone. Please contact me today about individual counseling. I’m here to help.
