In this time of social distancing, we can use all the love we can get.
Before the world was closed, did you meet up with local friends, gathering for dinner or tea? Do you miss this time away from your home and your family? Do you want to see other adults instead of talking to your kids all day? I hear you!
You may have friends all over the world as I do. Before this time, I didn’t make much of an effort to talk to these old friends on the phone. Now, I feel an intense desire to talk to everyone I know and especially to those that I have missed over the years. When we cannot get out to see our local friends and when we cannot travel around the world to visit loved ones, we have an opportunity to think outside of the box.
Focusing on your community and building a new community is in your hands.
Walden
You can make new friends by connecting with strangers simply because they have inspired you on social media. These days I am just as likely to talk to a friend in California, as I would a friend in Florida. Because when I take out the limitations of being able to see someone in person, I allow myself the chance to form deep and close relationships with people all over the world. I feel boundless in a way I have never felt.
“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”
Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People
How to make new friends while on quarantine
Social media can open up our world exponentially. Do you resonate with a post? Share a little bit of positivity, empathy, and love in a comment. I find myself moved by the depth of people’s experiences more so than any other time in history. I want to tell them. I want to praise them for staying strong and for doing their best when they are being pulled in many different directions. I want to reach out and offer my support if they are struggling. John Krasinski does an amazing job of highlighting some good news from all over the world. Don’t forget your tissues for this 15 minutes show.
No one is perfect
Dale Carnegie knew what he was talking about when he said being interested in other people will draw more people into your life, then boasting about your accomplishments. When I open my heart and share my vulnerable self to people, I am overcome with gratitude by their support. Admitting your mistakes shows that you are human. You become relatable when you post about your cake falling on the floor, only to be quickly eaten up by the dogs. When your husband walks through the bedroom in his underwear while you are in a Zoom meeting, your client or co-workers will have an amazing laugh. Perfection is impossible to attain and is quite simply boring. Show me your mistakes, make me laugh or make me cry with you. Be real with me and I’ll call you my friend.
Plug your business on social media
If you want to build your business contacts, comment on posts that have to do with your profession. Relate with them by mentioning that you are also a yoga instructor, an author, or a master herbalist. You will be amazed at how many new friend requests and PMs you can receive just by mentioning your passions in comments. People want to expand their community with like-minded people.
Join LIVE events on Instagram and Facebook
I have been loving attending private concerts and presentations of musicians, comedians, and moms sharing homeschooling tips. While I can’t see the people who are attending, I can see everyone who checks in by their comments. We talk to each other while witnessing the same event and it feels like we are there together. Jennifer Vollbrecht will be hosting live events to discuss her book: Feminism: A Journey to Equality. Stay tuned for dates this Spring and Summer.
You, Me, and Uni has a tea and feminism talk in the works via Zoom. Find the class and event that calls to you and show up. Dress as if you were going out. Dig out your jeans and wear some earrings for a change. Let’s get creative and role play to pass the time.
Host your own event
The virtual world is free and available 24/7. I sometimes wish my devices had built-in limits set up by my Mom. I have dreamed of living on Little House on the Prairie for a simpler life. Don’t get me wrong, I love the internet. I love having the ability to work remotely from my laptop. However, I would welcome more socializing and recreation in my life.
Maybe you can play the guitar and sing. Plan a live show! Gather people together for happy hour or game night on Zoom or Google Meet. Invite people to join you while you attempt to follow a recipe in the kitchen. Make herbal tinctures together. Drink tea and have deep discussions on a chosen topic. Host your own book club. We all have talents and skills that other people would enjoy watching.
Join the Feminism book tour
Attend one of the many events You, Me, and Uni will be hosting this spring to discuss Feminism: A Journey to Equality. Feminism is a broad topic and the conversations are energizing. Join the movement and share your thoughts with the group. Stay tuned for upcoming dates by following us on social media.
Anastacia Elizabeth Walden
Writer and Editor in Gainesville, FL
Owner of Walden Writes For Women
