She Strengthens

The New Normal: Navigating Social Lives in a Pandemic World

As we approach seven months of living with COVID-19, it’s clear that this pandemic has become a social experiment of sorts. Our lives have been turned upside down, and our social lives are no exception. With the constant flux of guidelines and restrictions, it’s hard to know what’s safe and what’s not.

Social Media: A Glimpse into Others’ Lives

I often find myself scrolling through Instagram, wondering what everyone’s life looks like right now. The feed is a mix of #TBTs, candid selfies with pets, solo hikes, and socially distanced dinners with friends. Some friends have found ways to safely resume their social lives, while others are still self-quarantining. But aside from the occasional photo, I’m still not really sure how people are socializing these days.

My Own Social Life: A Mix of Caution and Connection

To be honest, my social life had already taken a hit before COVID-19. Working from home for six months prior to the pandemic meant I had limited opportunities to connect with others. But I made an effort to meet friends for drinks or dinner and would occasionally work from a coworking space to get some human interaction. Now, I’m being more cautious, but I still crave connection. I’ve seen my friends only a handful of times, and even then, it’s been with masks and social distancing.

Others’ Stories: A Range of Experiences

I recently asked several people what their social lives look like now, and their answers varied widely. Some have seen a significant decrease in social activity, while others have found ways to adapt and continue connecting with others.

• For some, social media has become their primary means of connection. “My social life is mostly Twitter and Instagram these days, which is sad,” one person admitted.
• Others have found creative ways to stay connected, like sending letters and postcards to friends. “I just find myself really desperate for anything tangible lately,” another person said.
• Some have seen a shift in their priorities, realizing that they were giving away their energy to people they didn’t truly connect with. “I didn’t realize that regularly giving away my energy to people was draining me; in a way, I’m grateful for this shift,” one person reflected.

A New Era of Connection

As we navigate this new normal, it’s clear that our social lives will never be the same. But that doesn’t mean we can’t find ways to connect and thrive. Whether it’s through technology, outdoor activities, or small, socially distanced gatherings, we’re finding ways to adapt and make the most of this challenging time.

The Future of Socializing

As we look to the future, it’s hard to know what’s next. Will we return to our pre-pandemic social lives, or will we find new ways to connect that prioritize safety and caution? One thing is certain: we’ll continue to find ways to adapt and make the most of this new normal.