How to Socialize During the COVID-19 Pandemic

To those with thriving social lives, being forced to social distance might feel like torture. Actually, it feels like torture to basically everyone. The good news for those who are missing their friends is that there are ways to interact with them still. Friendships don’t have to be put on pause because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Using Technology to Socialize

We are fortunate to be living in a modern age where there are endless ways to communicate. Technology offers many options for socializing virtually.

Call your friends up

If you’re a chatty Cathy, a good old phone call to a friend may do the job for you. Or just send a simple text. There are many options for talking to your friends. You can even use Facebook Messenger to connect with each other. There’s also Snapchat, which allows calls and video chats.

Video chat

Video chats are great if you want to see your friends’ faces. More options for video chat include Facebook Messenger, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Skype, and Zoom, which is sweeping the nation as the new alternative to traditional school meetings.

Zoom

Zoom can be used for other things than classes. It is being used for businesses and seminars but can be perfect for virtually hanging out with friends. Using Zoom, you can create a video conference and invite multiple people to join.

Participate in something remotely

Something to do with a friend to bring you together is both invest in a stock. There are hospital stocks to buy, or you can buy oil stocks. This will give you something in common to discuss.

Other fun things to do include watching a movie at the same time as someone else while on a call so you can make comments to each other.

Have video lunch dates. Prepare some food and join a friend on a video call and eat your food together.

Gaming together

Gaming together is another great way to get your social interaction in. There are many online multiplayer games to play with friends. Popular games are Call of Duty, PUBG, Fortnite, Overwatch, and Animal Crossing. Apps like Discord and TeamSpeak can be used for talking while gaming.

Socializing in person

If you are sick, then you should be quarantined and avoid all socializing. Check your state guidelines on social gatherings before meeting up with anyone. If you are feeling healthy and want to see your peers in person, take extra precautions and only meet with one or two outside staying a distance away from each other.

Don’t make contact

If you hang out with anyone, be sure not to touch them. The CDC also recommends avoiding any gathering that requires close contact and keeping a distance of six feet from anyone.

Keep gatherings small

Presidential guidelines for socializing include limiting gatherings to include no more than ten people. Much of COVID-19 has spread through the community, so keep gatherings small. Cancel or postpone anything that would have over 10 people.

Avoid touching others’ belongings

The virus can be contracted by touching contaminated surfaces or objects. It’s a good idea to keep gloves or hand sanitizer with you. Since you don’t know how well something is cleaned, it’s best to just avoid contact. If you do touch anything just wash your hands and don’t touch your face.

Enjoy nature together

Spending time with someone outside is a good way to keep your distance since there is more space and fresh air outdoors. Try going for a walk with a friend, remaining six feet apart, and making sure not to cough or sneeze on each other.

Being outside with someone is better than hanging out inside, where there are many things to touch, like doorknobs, hand railings, tables, and chairs. Instead, connect with nature and your friends by sitting on the lawn or having a bonfire. I’ll say this one last time: maintain a safe distance of at least six feet apart!

Stay healthy and safe

It’s been a tough time for everyone, but we have to remember that we’re all in this together. We will beat this virus and our friendships will remain strong!