Social distancing can be really hard and strenuous on our friendships — but it certainly doesn't have to be. We can still create meaningful memories with our friends while we’re apart; it just takes a little creativity! Here are some simple things you can do to come out of this pandemic with stronger friendships than you could have ever imagined:
1. Check in Often
We’re all living in really strange times right now and it can feel super lonely, so it’s important to check on your friends and loved ones to make sure they’re doing alright. One of the best ways to strengthen a friendship is to be there for each other during difficult times. You could make it a point to call your friends a few times a week to chat about your lives, the happenings of the world, and to catch up on all the gossips and see how other people are handling things.
2. Weekly Happy Hour Calls
Life can feel rather depressing while we’re all on lockdown — so weekly happy hour calls with your girlfriends is just what the doctor ordered to lighten the mood! You could consider planning themes ahead of time and dressing up for a different occasion every week. This is a great way to create fun memories together even though you’re still technically apart. The Internet is full of hilarious ideas for themed parties, like Trash TV Bash or Inner Child. You could also plan a virtual tequila tasting or wine and paint night! The options for fun happy hour calls are endless.
3. Plan a Virtual Spa Day
While this may just be a first, the lockdown has forced us all to get a little creative! You could all purchase a Box Sized Hugs care-package and plan your first-ever virtual spa day. Not only does it give you a chance to relax and socialise, it would be super fun for everyone to test the products in the box together (like the hair mask or self-heating eye mask) and then discuss favourites. Run yourself a bath, grab a drink, and virtually relax with your girlfriends. There’s nothing better than drinking some bubbly while in a bubble bath whilst the society is in apparent collapse! Now, that’s a match made in heaven.
4. Become Pen Pals
Handwritten letters, you remember those, right? Now a thing of the past but what better time to bring it back! Writing to your friends through snail mail could be a really fun way to bond and allows you to keep up with all the latest gossip. You could swap hilarious stories or use the opportunity to let them know how much their friendship means to you — but it would be really cute to make a little scrapbook of the letters you’ve sent to each other when the pandemic is over. You could look back on these times and have something meaningful to show for it.
5. Binge Watch Shows Together
Pass the time by choosing shows to binge watch together. You could each download Teleparty and choose a show from Netflix, Hulu, Disney, or HBO to stream simultaneously. There’s a chat feature that allows you to quietly chat back and forth without having to pause the show every few minutes to discuss. You also have the option to pause the show to discuss whenever you’d like. It’s always fun to binge watch a show that you really love, but it’s even more fun to binge watch a show with your bestie.
6. Bake Them Some Cookies
I mean come on, who doesn’t appreciate homemade cookies! Seriously though, sending some baked treats to your friends and family is a sure fire way to let them know how much they mean to you whilst giving them a morale boost. Food is such a great way to socialise and not being able to sit down and share a meal with your loved ones is bound to take its toll on anyone. Whilst you can’t be there in person to share it with them, sending your carefully crafted treats in the post is the ultimate in creature comforts. Who knows, you may even get some back in return!
7. Team Up In a Virtual World
With everyone itching to get out into the real world again, why not try the next best thing? With a wide range of free to play online games available at your fingertips, it’s never been a better time to team up with your friends online. Studies into gaming have proven to reduce stress and anxiety whilst improving your memory, attention and concentration. Studies have also shown that gaming can improve social skills and problem solving. So, why not team up with your buddies and get gaming, it’s a real hoot and you’ll definitely come out of it with stronger friendships.
8. Order them a takeout
Love food? Love surprises? Then this one if for you! Why not order your bestie their favourite takeaway to save them having to cook. Honestly, is there any greater thing in this life than delicious free food? You could even order them something they haven’t tried before and they could do there same for you. You could FaceTime them and share the meal together virtually to let them know what you think. Not only will it be a real treat, it will also help to support local restaurants whom are particularly struggling through this pandemic due to a massive downturn in business.
So there you have it, 8 ways to strengthen your relationships with your friends during lockdown. We’re sure you’ll come out closer than you were before whilst having fun in the process. Engaging with your friends in this way is a sure fire way to remedy the negative affects of social isolation and will help the time to pass by quicker. You’ll be out of the lockdown and doing activities you love with your friends before you even know it. So get to it!
