The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on our lives in many ways, but its silver lining is that it’s brought many of us closer together. Launched headfirst into a world of uncertainty, many of us learned that our relationships are what will see us through this difficult time.
5 Things The Pandemic Taught Us About Relationships
The things we’ve learned about our relationships during COVID-19 are nothing short of fascinating. From the painful truths to the inspiring and remarkable acts of love we’ve seen, here are some key takeaways we’ve gleaned over the course of this tumultuous time:
Vulnerability Brings People Together
The nature of a pandemic forces us all to recognize that we’re merely human. In the face of adversity and hardship, people have been willing – and able – to open up about their fears, their pasts, things they’ve never shared with anyone before.
Although it is far more entertaining to dish about a frivolous topic such as getting intimate with a Taurus, being open about the more difficult aspects of life allows us to connect to one another on a deeper, more profound level. We owe it to ourselves to be open about who we are and what’s going on with us.
As scary as vulnerability may feel, choosing your own isolation is far more painful. In the words of Brené Brown, “we cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known.”
Being A Good Listener Goes A Long Way
While it is important to be vulnerable, being a good listener to others in their time of need is just as important – particularly when the going gets tough, as they did during the pandemic.
This is why it is important to learn and practice active listening. By simply saying “I hear you” or “that sounds really hard,” you can provide a therapeutic element to someone’s problem that they may not have received otherwise.
In some cases, even your mere presence can go a long way in lifting your loved one’s spirits. There is a time and place for problem-solving, but most of the time, people simply need you to be there with an open ear and as a source of comfort.
People Tend To Let Their Guard Down On Social Media
One of the most interesting things we discovered during COVID-19 is that social media allows people to feel comfortable letting their guard down. The nature of the medium allows us to be more vulnerable because we have the ability to express ourselves without coming face-to-face with our loved ones.
Although many platforms have earned a reputation for being shallow mediums where posts and photos are hyper-curated, the difficulty of the pandemic has forced us all to evolve. People have been more open about the difficulties they’re facing and more willing to reach out for help or companionship, which is a testament to its power as a platform.
From fundraising efforts to crisis campaigning, social media has allowed many of us to more easily access resources and feel a sense of community. It has also allowed people to connect with others who are facing similar hardships, creating valuable connections between strangers.
It Is Okay To Let Go Of Relationships That No Longer Serve Us
The pandemic has forced many of us to look critically at our relationships. We all have a finite number of hours in a day, which should be spent thoughtfully. Superficial relationships and toxic people don’t serve us and it’s okay to let them go.
Doing so may feel scary at first, but it will serve you well in the long run. No one should surround themselves with those who constantly bring them down or leave them feeling drained and depleted. We all deserve friends who lift us up and support us in our journey.
Bear in mind that this doesn’t mean that the relationship has to be over forever. Sometimes, taking time away can give us a new perspective on our interactions with others and help form stronger bonds down the line.
The Most Important Relationship We Have Is The One With Ourselves
While it is important to nurture our relationships with others, many of us fail to realize that our primary relationship is the one we have with ourselves. Treating yourself with kindness, love, and care improves our ability to support ourselves and the people around us in times of crisis.
Doing so doesn’t mean placing ourselves at the center of the universe. Instead, it is about honoring our needs and identity. Acting in a manner that is consistent with our values is one of the most important things we can do for our well-being.
When we stop putting ourselves last and focus on what makes us happy, we become better partners, friends, and colleagues. The strength of our connection with others is only as strong as our relationship with ourselves, so it’s essential that we prioritize taking care of ourselves first.
Conclusion
While the pandemic has only been around for a couple of years, it has taught us a great deal about our relationships. It’s easy for these lessons to be lost among the chaos of the pandemic, but making an active effort to learn from them can help us in the years to come.
After all, the people we surround ourselves with can make or break our lives!
