Socializing and Quarantine

As we all are going through a situation of a mandated stay-at-home, we find ourselves not being able to go hang out with our friends. Personally, I find this very challenging since all my friends are now home from college due to this virus. It’s frustrating to know that on a sunny, warm Saturday, I am not able to go outside and hang out with my friends all day. I know that it is for our safety and the safety of all those who we interact with. However, it has been hard for me to keep sane and entertained during this time.

Zoom is a great platform for video chatting your group of friends, and with the technology that we have today, it is much easier to keep in touch with those long distance friends. Also, social media outlets like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat make it a lot easier to talk to friends. My challenge has been that this online communication is not the same as in-person interaction. Nothing has seemed to be able to replace the ability of going out to eat with a group of friends, going to the movies on a Monday night, or going to the gym during a stressful time.

There are things that I have found helpful. I have learned to get into new hobbies and to start projects I have been putting off for months. I am reading books that I have been wanting to, but have never been motivated to or found time to read. I have found out that I really enjoy painting and that it is a great way to express yourself.

One of the most important things I have missed while at college, however, is the time I get to spend with my parents. No kid will admit right away that they miss their parents when they are at college. However, being more mature than I was in high school, I am able to have better and more truthful conversations with my parents that I once would always avoid. I worry for their health during this time and I am spending time with them that I once took for granted. This is something that could be beneficial for anyone, especially when we are essentially forced to.

So, yes, I am somewhat staying sane, but it is still difficult some days. It’s hard to learn to be by yourself while living in our society that tends to revolve around being with other people. It will continue to be a learning process, but finding ways to cope is important and crucial during this time. Be safe and take care.

How has your social life changed during quarantine?