It’s safe to say that we are living in very strange, uncertain times. The most human interaction we get is through a computer screen, which can make it very hard to understand the hardships our friends might be going through. That being said, we can still check up on our friends and make sure they are okay while abiding by the rules of COVID-19. Below are four ways to do exactly that!
- Send them a thoughtful text message
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One of the easiest ways you can reach out to a friend is to send them a thoughtful text message. This may seem like a no-brainer, but sending a text to someone who has been going through a rough time can make all the difference in the world to them. It lets them know you’re thinking about them and that they have someone to rely on when they are struggling. It can feel awkward reaching out via text sometimes, especially if you are not super close to this friend. Merely starting out the message with, “Hey! It’s been a while, how’ve you been?” will be a great way to get an important conversation started.
- Pick up the phone and give them a call
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Another way to instantly let a friend know you care is to give them a phone call. This is an easy way to remind your friend that you’re thinking about them and to see how they’re really doing. A phone call is more genuine because you can actually hear the emotion in their voice; they are having a hard time and need someone to talk to. Plus, hearing a friendly voice will provide them with a blanket of comfort they didn’t even know they needed.
- Mail them a care package
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This is a really fun and thoughtful way to show your friend you care. Mailing a care package requires more time and effort than a text or call, but it physically shows your friend that you’ve been thinking about them. The best type of care package for a friend who needs a mental break would be a self-care package – this could include their favorite candle, bath salts, fuzzy socks, etc. For a less expensive version, you can put together their favorite snacks and mail it off with a cute letter. Literally anything to show you care will make them feel loved and seen, and that’s exactly what a care package will do.
- Make plans to meet for coffee
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At the end of the day, the best way to really know how a friend is doing is to sit down and have a conversation with them in person. Reach out and ask if they would be comfortable getting a coffee and sitting outside for a while. It’s easier to open up to someone who is physically next to you as opposed to a phone call or a text. Chatting over a cup of coffee also establishes a reassuring environment, making it more comfortable to open up in. You can also get a better sense of how your friend is really doing while giving them your undivided attention. It proves that you want to hear about what they’re going through since you made time in your day to see them. They will appreciate the effort and enjoy being in a space other than their own thoughts for once.
While checking up on your friends is so important now more than ever, you also have to make sure you are taking care of yourself. If you’re in the wrong headspace to hear about some triggering topics from your friends, then you can’t be of any help. Make sure you are giving yourself the proper love and attention that you need so you can radiate that same energy onto others. Your friends who need you will appreciate the deep-rooted compassion you have already established for yourself.