Maintaining Relationships During Quarantine

When I was in elementary school, my best friend lived just a street down from my house. It was an ideal situation. We went to the park, to each other’s houses, to the community pool multiple times a week. We had memorized each other’s home phone numbers because we didn’t have cell phones back then. The point being, we were inseparable. Things were going fantastic, and I was having the childhood of my life until his family decided to move to a city far away. Saying I was shocked is an understatement; it was as if a gaping hole in my body started forming at the thought of losing my friend because I knew that I wouldn’t be able to see him anymore. Of course, we texted and face timed occasionally, but obviously, it was not the same as seeing him in person.

I have this same feeling now during quarantine with my friends. We miss seeing them, doing fun things with them, even going to school, and seeing them in class! That feeling is normal during these times. It has allowed me to have spiraling moments, feeling helpless and out of control, wondering if I’ll ever have the same experiences with them again. Again, this feeling is totally normal. We are teenagers for God’s sake. We are humans. Humans are social beings that require interaction and texting and video chat are not enough. Quarantine is straining friendships, not because of their loyalty to the friendship, but rather the majority of us can’t replicate the feeling of a close friendship through a screen. There are a few ways to bridge the gap that quarantine formed.

The best way in my opinion is through socially distanced hangouts with your friends. This can be at a park, on a street court, or anywhere really just as long as you are staying six feet apart. It’s annoying, I know, but right now, especially with the increased protests, limiting close contact is crucial. Speaking face-to-face with a friend or two is so beneficial, even six feet apart. Catch up for as long as you need it! Even though these times are important, try spending a chunk of your time not talking about the virus. You and your friends’ moods will brighten and feel happier, less weighed down by quarantine.

Another great way to mimic the laughter with your friends is through online games and movies. You can watch movies together on Netflix parties, play cards against humanity, online Pictionary, and so much more. These options are great for lightening the mood and giving you the chance to let loose with your friends like before. A simple google search for “Online Games During Quarantine” gives you countless options.

Lots of places are beginning to open up, so we just have to keep our heads high! If we keep staying conscious to prevent the spread of the virus, we will be able to go back to normal in no time. Until then, these two options are a great starting point to start making friendships a bit more normal. Stay strong and be safe <3.