As the restrictions of the pandemic slowly end, we can reflect back on our experience and lessons with a bit of perspective. If social distancing has shown anything, it is that when humans can’t be the social animals that they are, we don’t handle it very easily! Even the most introverted among us might be becoming a lot more aware of just how much our friends mean to us and how we might want to stop taking them for granted. So, what can you do to be a better friend, as we begin to see our friends again?
Spend time with them
It has been difficult for many of us to spend time with friends lately, given how much we’ve all had to be spending time apart. However, as social distancing and restrictions are lifted and we are allowed to spend more time together again, it’s important to touch base with those friends that you haven’t been able to see for some time. If things are still relatively restricted where you are, you can find ways to spend time together with the appropriate distancing. Otherwise, look to ways of hanging out online, such as making time for Zoom calls or playing online board games, many of them easily available through things like smartphones and tablets, while catching up. Simply put, if you want to keep friendships strong, you need to hang out.
Reach out when not together
For many people, it’s simply not possible to physically spend time together. Others have long-standing circumstances, such as dealing with illness, being busy of lots of work to do at times, or living far apart. While some of the online methods of hanging out as mentioned above might work, you should also let your friend know you’re thinking of them. Shooting them a message is nice, but you can go a step forward. Sending a little care package or ordering an online flower delivery to anywhere they might be can be a lovely little surprise. It keeps you in their mind and the effort that you spend to do it will keep them in yours, making it easier to connect again when you have the opportunity.
Photo by RoseBox رز باکس on Unsplash
Be genuine and empathetic
We are all creatures of a culture that is more ironic, cynical, and witty than ever. “Irony poisoning” is an all too common phenomenon, of people who are so used to putting up that humorous front that they have trouble expressing themselves properly or being open to other people expressing themselves honestly. It’s important to practice empathy, not just by listening to your friends when you need them, but by opening up, yourself, too. A little vulnerability goes a long way in making sure that you and your friends are on the same wavelength and share that sense of trust.
Maintaining and maturing friendships takes time and energy. If you don’t do that, don’t be surprised if those bonds begin to fade a little over time. People drift apart all the time, but if you don’t want that to happen, use of some these tips to help keep those friendships strong!
