A guide to connecting with each other during unprecedented times
C onnecting with one another is one of the most important things we can do during a pandemic. Humans are naturally social beings, and crave connection with other people. However, when we follow social distancing rules, finding ways to socialize with one another can be tricky. Keep in mind that if you try out different ways to interact with people, you may find something that you really enjoy doing!
Engage in conversation
One of the main benefits to living in the 21st century is the advances in technology. Between Skype, Facebook Messenger, and Zoom, there are a variety of ways to speak with your friends and
family while also being able to see each other. These apps can allow multiple users to partake in video conversations and can help you feel more closely connected to the person or people you’re talking with. Texting in and of itself does not offer the same conversational experience; you can’t see your partner’s facial expressions or hear their tone of voice.
Another good way to keep in touch is to just call the person on the phone! This is another more personable way to communicate as you can hear the person’s voice in real-time. Ask the person how they’ve been holding up during the pandemic and what they’re up to. Lots of people appreciate a wellness check-in. Make yourself a cup of coffee and find a comfortable spot to sit while chatting to make it feel like you’re on a coffee date with your friend.
If you like things a little old school, try being pen pals with your friend. If you’re unfamiliar with what pen pals are, they are people who send letters to each other, usually paper ones by mail. They require more time to prepare and receive, but their more involved, hands-on nature may appeal to some.
Letters allow you to get creative — you can decorate them with stickers, glitter, and photos, and/or use colourful paper and pens. Your friend will probably appreciate the thought that went into your letter’s design. If you live in the same city as your friend, consider dropping the letter off at their house on their front porch.
Play games together
Many consoles have online play options with the opportunity to chat with opponents in real-time while you play. If you and your friends have the same game consoles, then playing together online is a great way to share a fun and challenging experience together.
Houseparty is an app that lets you communicate through video chat and play games at the same time. With games like Heads Up, Trivia, and Chips and Guac, the app will keep the party alive while allowing you and your friends to interact similar to the way you would if you were sitting around a table playing games.
If you’re an early 2000’s kid you can always throw it back to the MSN days and play Messenger games with friends on Facebook. There are a variety of games you can play such as Draw Something, Trivia Crack and Words with Friends. You can even play multiple games with the same friend.
Meet up… at a distance
Spending time outside seems to be the best option when it comes to interacting with friends during a pandemic. Meeting up with friends at parks is ideal because there is plenty of room to maintain six feet of distance but still get the chance to interact in-person.
Going for walks with friends on wide paths in conservation areas is a great way to enjoy nature and be social at the same time. Be sure to allow room for other hikers moving along pathways and to wear a mask if social distancing is a challenge.
Now that Stage 3 of provincial reopening is upon us, we are allowed to go to restaurants and meet up to share a meal or drink with our loved ones or friends. When going out to dine, keep the group small and contained to people within your 10 person social circle, bring face masks, and do not mingle with other tables in the vicinity. Also, be aware there may be set time limits on how long your party is able to stay.
Maintaining relationships during a pandemic can be tough, but the current situation allows us to explore different ways of connecting and can make us appreciate the relationships we do have. If you’re feeling like you’re missing your friends during these unprecedented times, give some of these ideas a try!
(Graphics courtesy of Iconfinder under CC by 3.0)
A version of this article appeared in print in The Ontarion issue 189.1 on Aug. 27, 2020.
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