If this pandemic has taught me one thing, it’s that we all desire human connection. I believe that much of our purpose here on earth is to love one another. To love others, it’s important to know their love language and be intentional in how you show them love.
If you’re like me, there are some relationships in your life that don’t require a lot of day-to-day interaction. I’m talking about the friends that you can go a month without talking to and then you pick up right where you left off whenever you meet. On the other hand, you may have friendships that require a little more attention. The key is to know what is needed for the friendship and recognize that communication will look different for each person. And given the pandemic, someone’s love language may shift as well–so be open and attentive. I have compiled a few ideas to stay connected that incorporates various love languages.
Here are 7 ideas to stay connected:
- Schedule a movie hang out!
Disney+ offers the ability to have a watch party. There’s also a Netflix extension that you can download that will allow you to watch movies together too. My friends and I have utilized zoom to watch movies as well. One person pulls up the movie and the rest of us watch through their screen. - Schedule a virtual activity.
FaceTime and Google Hangouts is nice, but after awhile you may get bored and even frustrated having to talk to a loved one through a screen. What I have found to be meaningful is planning a virtual activity together. Some of my favorites have been a zoom call with my family in which we all watched the Verzuz song battles together. There’s nothing funnier than watching your aunts and cousins take a trip down memory lane and get down to Monica and Brandy. Additionally, I have called loved ones while eating and cooking to share recipes. You can also set up an evening to catch up with your girls where you all dress up and drink a glass of wine. Get creative! Also, some companies like Paddywax are offering kits that you can order to make your own candles right at home: https://thecandlebar.co/collections/at-home-kits/products/form-candle-making-kit - Go for an outdoor walk.
Grab a friend (or two) and take a stroll in a nearby park or trail. I love this because it allows you to get some fresh air, chat, and keep a safe distance. It’s even better if your friend has a cute pup that could benefit from some exercise. - Picnic!
One of my favorite socially distant activities to do lately has been a picnic. I purchased a sports umbrella from Costco and met my friend outside. I picked up sandwiches from a nearby small business and she brought the sparkling wine. This activity was refreshing and restorative. Sitting outside in the warmth (6-feet apart, of course) made me forget, just temporarily, that the world around us had shut down. - Send a note/letter.
You don’t have to send an elaborate gift, but just write something to a friend or loved one to remind them of how much they mean to you. You’d be surprised by how much this could make someone’s day by simply letting them know that you’re thinking of them. - Plan a STAY-cation!
I found it beneficial to plan a staycation in which two friends and I met up and did a lot of indoor activities together: face masks, card games, singing and learning a new song on the guitar, and wine (LOTS of wine).
- Read a book or watch a tv series together.
This is a great way to keep in contact and have something in common to discuss when you talk. Whether it’s watching Once Upon a Time (my new fave show) or reading Relationship Goals by Michael Todd together, this is a great way to bond.
While these are just a few ideas, I encourage you to get creative and stay safe! Enjoy the little things and remember that life looks a little different right now, but we will get through this.
With love and light,
Kai
