The COVID-19 pandemic has changed several aspects of our lives over a few months. We now live in a society that follows a “new normal.” We have come to adapt to these changes in many ways, such as using online platforms, new technologies, and more. As we fight through the pandemic, we will encounter one of the biggest challenges in our relationships. 

In several countries, the lockdowns have made it difficult to maintain relationships. These relationships go beyond the conventional notion of a romantic one. Aside from your significant other, the crisis also challenges your relationship with your family, friends, and career. Here are tips for maintaining your relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Friends

Before the pandemic, it was effortless to meet up and spend time with your friends. You can all go anywhere from having a drink in the bar, shopping at a mall, or eating out together. However, social distancing is now encouraged to help reduce the risks of infections. Also, several establishments are still closed in most countries. Now, the only place left for you to bond with your friends are through online platforms. 

BetterHelp is one such online platform that you can check. They have IG and a YouTube channel as well.

• Join An MMORPG, MOBA, Or Other Online Games

If you and your friends are avid gamers, then you may consider investing your time together online. A massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) enables you to grow a character in a vast virtual world along with other people. MMORPGs are a perfect place to meet up, travel together, and help each other’s character grow.

Another game genre to consider is the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) geared towards teams competing against each other. MOBAs are a fun way to test your teamwork and cooperation with your friends.

• Watch Online Movies Together

There are several options to help you enjoy movies and series with your friends. One option is the Netflix party chrome extension that allows you to share screens and enjoy Netflix together. 

Other than the Netflix party, other existing apps offer the same feature and even more. Some of these include Rabbit, Plug.DJ, Watch2gether, and more.

• Stay Connected Through Social Media Platforms

Some fun social media platforms you can consider staying in touch with your friends are Telegram and Zoom. Telegram has a cool game feature called “Werewolf.” The game involves players taking on different roles where the goal of the game is to defeat the werewolf. Another excellent platform to bond in is Zoom. Zoom can help people create conferences, share screens, and enjoy calling each other.

Family

Unlike your friends, throughout the lockdown, you might most likely be living with your family. If you spend every day with your family, it may get stressful or fruitful, depending on the situation. Of course, what we would want the most for the crisis is to develop our bond with our family.

Take this lockdown as an opportunity for you to get to know your children or parents better. Other things you can consider in strengthening your bond includes the following:

• Keep communication open and do not be afraid to ask.
• Resolve past issues and learn to forgive.
• If they are far away, consider weekly phone calls.
• Educate your children on the current situation and how to handle it.
• Have an open space to talk and bond with each other (i.e., lunch, dinner, etc.)
• Do chores such as cleaning or cooking together.
• Exercise and help each other keep in shape.

Workplace Relationships

While some businesses have closed, others are still alive and working through the pandemic. Most companies have shifted towards the use of online platforms. 

Though not all companies require their employees to continue work, most are still encouraged too. However, not everyone may be capable of doing so, and it is better to understand their condition and check upon them.

Significant Other

Probably the most complicated relationship to maintain during the lockdown is with your significant other. While most are blessed to spend this time together with their special someone, others need to keep a long-distance one. 

The best way to maintain your relationship with your significant other during the pandemic is by improving your communication. Another critical factor that plays a considerable role is trust. Your partner has entrusted you with their faith and love. Remember to keep and uphold it!

In Conclusion,

Several relationships face challenges during the lockdown. While some of these relationships get stressful and worse, some with continue to prosper and even grow. In the end, you have the power to dictate where you want your relationships to move.

As mentioned by Kirtly Parker Jones, MD, “People involved in loving, philia-based relationships have [fewer] doctor visits, shorter hospital visits, have less pain, and have more positive emotions