How to Stay Connected to Friends During Isolation

The definition of romance?  You matter to me!

Channel 3’s anchor, Maureen Kyle, asked me to be interviewed for a Valentine’s Day segment. Only there was a twist with this interview. The topic wasn’t about the usual topic on how to romance your mate. Instead, Maureen asked me to talk about how to stay connected to friends during this isolating time.

I began the interview with the definition of romance: you matter to me. Given that definition, anyone can romance anyone! In this context, you can romance your mate, but you can also romance your children, parents, and certainly your friends. Below is a list of things I do to stay connected to my friends to show them they matter to me:

1. A friend and I have a book club. Just the two of us. We choose a book each month and Zoom to discuss it. It’s a very rich conversation, as well as quality time together.
2. I have another friend for whom I gave a certificate for a Bake of the Month Club. I love to bake and she enjoys occasional sweets, so I bake her whatever her heart desires each month.
3. My friend and neighbor, who lives across the street from me, have fun sharing food. If she makes a yummy soup, she walks it over to me. If I make a slow cooker stew, I walk it over to her.
4. When I least expect it, a friend will mail me a handwritten note to share her thoughts or thank me for something.
5. I have a friend, whose husband is talented at computer graphic arts. Once in a while, she’ll send me a fun caricature of herself that her husband has made. 

You may have picked up a theme here. All of the above are loving gestures to people who matter to me and to whom I matter. To me, that’s the essence of Valentine’s Day and every day.

So when thinking romance, broaden your sphere and you might find more people you can romance!

You can watch the entire interview below:

Whether in a long-term relationship or just casually dating, check out my 10 rules of dating.  Download your 10 rules here.