Who Are Your COVID Buddies?

The most telling part of this COVID19 fiasco for me has been my relationships. Not only do I know who my friends are. I also know who my friends aren’t. When I’m alone in my home, unable to meet anyone for coffee or lunch dates, it suddenly becomes crystal clear to me who I’m calling. And who I’m not.

I know who reached out to me to ask how I was doing. I know who I wanted to reach out to touch base with. I know who returned my texts. I know who ignored them.

It’s been just under a month since this crisis started and I already know who matters.

I’ve heard a saying somewhere, that true friends aren’t just there for the happy times. They’re also standing with you during the difficult times. In fact, having a best friend has been proven to help a person bounce back from their darkest days.

I always felt so certain about who my friends were. I’m an ambivert. I’m equal parts extravert and introvert, which makes me a fantastic listener but also a blast to be around. So you can imagine that during the fun times, I’ve got a lot of friends.

It’s the rainy days like the ones we’ve recently had where it becomes clear to me who my friends are. The fair-weather friends disappear and I’m left with the few that matter.

Many of us have had realizations throughout these dark days. Some of us have learned a little more about who we are. Some of us have learned the value of time. Others have learned the fragility of life.

I will walk away from this experience learning the value of human relationship.