This past year of social distancing, mask mandates, and disruption to the work-life balance has changed the way people gather and relate. Have you felt hesitant, uncertain, or even fearful about re-engaging socially? COVID-19 has absolutely altered the way we build friendships, and you are not alone. If you are yearning for meaningful connections again, here are four concrete things to consider when leaning into this very new and daunting world.
- Honoring your own level of comfort
Start with identifying your level of comfort in engaging with others. If you feel most comfortable being social while continuing to wear a mask, do so. If you are only ready to make new friends online, start there. Honor your own feelings about this surreal pandemic, and spend some time reflecting on how comfortable you are with re-engaging, and what steps you can take to ease yourself in.Once you have identified your level of comfort, here are ways to explore new social experiences. - Volunteering
Think about local, meaningful ways you can offer a helping hand, pursue your purpose through acts of service, or get involved in a movement. What would it look like to spend an hour caring for shelter pets, or if you have a neighbor that needs a gutter, lawn, or car cleaned? Displaying random acts of kindness, offering up your time or resources for someone in need, or joining an existing cause are excellent ways to re-engage in thoughtful connection with others. The following website has a searchable feature to help you to explore these options more deeply, right in the local community: https://volunteerconnectdc.org/
- Explore your values
As a therapist, I love unpacking the driving motivators, beliefs, and traditions that my clients hold. You might value being outdoors, reading a good book, mentoring youth, or deepening your understanding of science. Think about what drives you and what you value. In doing so, you might discover unforeseen ways of meeting new people: an online support group, nearby adventure club, or rekindling an old passion. - Listening
Spend time listening to your kids, parent(s), significant other, or roommate. By practicing stillness and just taking in your surroundings, answers might surface from the people closest to you. If your kids are asking for their friends to come over, this could lead to new connections with other parents. Your spouse may have social clout you were unaware of. Listen to those closest to you and open yourself up to new connections.
No perfect script exists for branching back out into this world. This place in time is a unique one to explore individually, and collectively, what socializing and making friends now looks like. If you are struggling with self-doubt, anxiety or fear, or even frustration about where to start, we at LiveFree would be honored to walk with you.
To schedule a therapy appointment with Andrew Denecke, or one of our therapists at LiveFree Counseling, please call 720.465.6180 or click here.
