Written by Brigid Fallon
*I’m worried about your extroverted friend, send them a text*
This year has been tough to say the least. Everyone has had tremendous ups and downs and will continue to ride that roller coaster next year. With “Social Distancing” being the new normal and the unknowingness of how long that will last, it feels so d*mn hard to be positive and to stay connected under these circumstances. With the New Year approaching, we wanted to come up with a guide that can help you feel less isolated and more connected in fun and creative ways. Together, let’s resolve to stay in touch this New Year (and all year)!
Make Regularly Scheduled Facetime “Dates”
Facetiming is downright the easiest way to connect to your long distance people. As someone who usually hates talking on the phone, I have become accustomed to facetiming my friends and family daily and it makes feeling connected so much better. Make regularly Facetimed “Dates” that you have set in stone. When it’s marked on your calendar you have no excuse to cancel and it will make you feel so much better! You can also do Facetime dinner dates with friends and your S/O- make the same recipe or order in dinner. There are other ways that you are able to video chat online; Google Hangout and Zoom!
(Virtual) Book Club
Do you miss your in person book club where it was less talking about the book and more gossiping and wine? Don’t worry! With Zoom and Google Meet you can send a link to your girls and continue the discussions about your favorite reads right now. Send your club the same bottle of wine to make it feel even more like the 2019 version of book club.
Netflix and Chill
Binge watching shows and movies with your long distance BFF or S/O is so much easier now with Teleparty, formally Netflixparty. If you have the Chrome Browser, you can download the Teleparty extension and start watching shows from HBO, Netflix, Disney, and Hulu at the same time as your friends. Invite your friends to watch a movie by sending them an invitation link and voila, let the bingeing begin!
Send “Old Fashioned” Letters/Cards
There is something so sentimental about receiving a letter in the mail. Hand written notes are significantly more special rather than sending an email or quick text. Buy some cute stationary and keep your friends up to date with a more authentic and personalized touch.
New Hobby with a Friend
Getting into a new hobby is the perfect way to start off the new year and name a better way to re-clique with friends! Start a workout together. Exercising alone is fine but exercising with friends makes it so much more bearable. Together you can hold one another accountable and it’s the perfect way to de-stress. If working out is not your cup of tea get into DIY projects! There are so many projects and crafts that you can do together that are affordable and cute *cue a deep pinterest search hole*. And finally, get into cooking! If you’ve been eating out a lot and it’s taking a toll on your wallet this will help you save and you’ll become a master chef. Start by finding a new meal to make once a week and go from there. Cheers to new skills!
Download Games on your phone
If you don’t have a lot of time to chat, or there’s just no new updates in your life but still want to feel connected, download games on your phone to play with friends. Some of my favorites are Trivia Crack, Words with Friends, and Gamepigeon which lets you play games right through imessage.
Send a Care Package
And finally, there is nothing more special than receiving a well thought out gift in the mail. Let your friends know that you’re thinking about them by sending a care package. With Happy Box, you can shower your friends with love by building your own or picking from our curated collection and it’s so simple!
Just because we have to stay distanced doesn’t mean we have to be distant. Staying connected is now more important than ever. With creativity, and of course technology staying in touch is so much easier. With these tips and tricks you’ll be in touch with friends and family no matter how many miles apart you are.