During this time when we are socially distancing and feel so far apart from one another, I’ve been content knowing that there are still ways we can feel close to one another.

  Lately, I’ve been feeling a need for social connection. As an introvert, I was usually content spending time alone and needed that time to get re-energized for social interaction. I liked that I was able to remove myself from social life when it all got to be too much. Now, I have no choice but to be socially distant. The adage ‘you always want what you can’t have’ is more true now than ever.  

  In an attempt to socially connect, I’ve recently reverted back to letter writing. Like, physically picking up a pen and paper and writing a longhand letter.

  One of my best friends moved to New York in February, right as the pandemic began to spread within the United States. 

  After living together for two years in college and spending practically every minute of our lives together, at this point, we are not quite used to being so far apart.

  A few weeks ago, she posted on her Instagram that she would like to be pen pals with friends back home, so that she would not feel so alone in her apartment in New York during this pandemic. I responded to her post and began receiving letters. 

  Although we can easily pick up the phone and text, call or FaceTime one another whenever we would like, and we do that also, I get so happy to see a letter in my mailbox that is not a bill or yet another credit card offer.

  It is so comforting to see her familiar writing on a piece of paper, asking for life updates and telling me a bit about her time in quarantine. (She’s trying to learn how to play the ukulele). 

  It’s heartwarming knowing that she is taking time to write something just for me to read during a time when we are refocusing on what is truly important in our lives. 

  My other close friend lives right across the street from me. 

  Since the shelter in place order has been put in effect, we have taken to spying on each other’s yards and texting each other if we see something going on in the other’s yard. Yes, we are that in need of a distraction. 

  I’ve taken to working outside at a patio table to get some fresh air, since the weather has been beautiful, and she’ll text me each time she sees me sitting outside. 

  Before this all started, we would go on ‘dinner dates,’ talking about anything and everything and just enjoying spending time with each other. 

  I am not enjoying the fact that we can no longer go to dinner together on a regular basis. 

  So, we improvised. We now have socially distanced ‘picnics,’ sitting in her field, six feet apart or more, and resume our dinner dates of yore. We talk about how her online college classes are going and share our thoughts on Netflix’s new show, Tiger King. (We think Carole Baskin is guilty). We talk about the future and what we have planned once this all runs its course and life can go back to relative normalcy.  

  These are things that I might not have done if not for this pandemic. However, I can take these memories and letters and carry them with me for years to come. When we all felt so alone during this time, I can know that there are people out there that care just as much for me, and I for them, and are looking for special ways to connect during this time.