How to Maintain Your Friendships While Social Distancing
Social distancing doesn't have to be the demise of your friendships and other relationships. Use this time to strengthen your communication skills and relationships with friends and family. Most of us have been locked in our homes staying safe during this world pandemic. The first two months you spent being in survivor mode and friendships may have not been at the top of your priorities. As we settle into the new norm its time to not only maintain friendships but start to make new connections while social distancing.
Keeping Your Friendships Alive
Gone are the days of Sunday Funday brunch, or Thursday night Happy Hour after a long day, but that doesn't have to mean the end of the demise of your social status. With the abundance of technology at our fingertips there are a variety of ways you can get together with your closest friends while social distancing:
1. Group Video Chat
Apple lets users Facetime with up to 32 people at one time! I don't know about you, but I don't have that many contacts in my phone, but if you're blessed with a social circle this large take your group text to a group Facetime and chat to your heart's content.Don’t have an iPhone? No worries, try Zoom or the House Party app!
2. Netflix Party
Netflix party is a super simple extension that allows you to share watch Netflix with your binging buddies. Simply download the extension, share the link with your friends and follow the instructions. Once your set up you'll be able to watch the show together and live chat with your group about your favorite show or movie!
3. Instagram Live
Maybe you and your bestie are the #instafamous and feel like going live on Instagram to drop some wisdom or troll a celebrity. With most of the world social distancing your live stream views are sure to be higher than ever before so build up those followers! The same goes for Facebook live as well.
4. Club Quarantine – The DJ Saved My Life
Feel like having a good dance session with your girls. Get dressed up and meet your girls in the comfort of your living room with a Zoom Watch Party to dance the night away to the many Djs spinning any given night of the week. DJ D-Nice and Mannie Fresh have become a new go to for a Friday or Saturday night dance party and laugh session with the girls. You can also do a virtual watch party of the new weekly Verzuz hosted by Swizz Beatz and Timberland via Instagram Live, where your favorite artist battle their hits and the comment sections provide the celebrity commentary you didn't know you needed to help you get through the pandemic.
5. Social distance “meetup”*
Most of us have been glued to our screens for two months now and we're missing some face to face action, plan a "social distance meet up*". Coordinate with your friends to pack lunch or grab take-out from your favorite brunch spot and meet at your local park for a car lunch, chat with your windows down and sing your favorite songs for a little TLC and sunshine before your forced to head back home. Get creative on social distance meetups but continue to exercise social distance guidelines that adhere to local guidelines to keep you and your friends safe and healthy.
*Check your local guidelines to make sure you’re not still under a “shelter in place” or “stay at home” order. Use your judgment when meeting in a public place. If the area you choose is overpopulated find another location or reschedule. Make sure you wear your mask while outside.
6. Make New Friends
Use this time of social distancing to build new connections. Everyone is glued to their phones and laptops during this time. Why not network and build connections online that you will be able to take offline once it is safe to meet for in person gatherings. Women's Social Groups like Girlfriends In The Burbs allow you to connect with new friends from across the country via our virtual memberships. We host weekly virtual Happy Hours, Virtual Brunches, Watch Parties, and much more.
With such grim news on a loop 24/7, it's easy to get down and feel like you're alone in the world, especially while confined to your house. The more beautiful side is that technology allows us to connect with our friends and love ones in ways we've never been able to connect. When all else fails, just pick up the phone and call someone, it could be the best conversation you all had all day.