For most of us, the closest relationship we are likely to have is with our screens. Because of the COVID-19 lockdown, many have stressed about this new norm of not seeing their friends and have become anxious that they’re gradually losing social connection with them during this prolonging situation. Nicholas, Cathy and Lei have more on this issue.

After interviewing a few international students from the University of Melbourne, more than half of them agreed to a great extent that a lot has changed in their relationships with friends. Most reflect on the differences in terms of fondness during the lockdown period and before the outbreak of Covid-19. 

“I communicate with my friends daily, but the conversations were never interesting because there’s one single topic of discussion every day and that’s isolation.” 

Although it is clear everyone is struggling to cope with the unexpected challenge, the problem is worst for international students. As the majority say, they were all looking forward in enjoying an enthusiastic experience overseas, while also making as many friends as possible. 

“It’s my first year in Australia and I’ve always wanted to meet new people from all over the world. Sadly, that is not going to happen anytime soon because of the lockdown.” 

The positive lockdown introverts

Despite the challenges to maintaining good relationships during the lockdown, some international students have disagreed, saying they felt the Covid-19 had not affected their relationships with their friends at all.

“I don’t think my friendships have been affected. I can make video and phone calls with my friends, which makes our friendship better for me.”

It is also a new experience for some overseas students. Others believe that if friends do not see each other for a period, friendship can be strengthened.

“When people stay at home, they see very little of each other and rely on communication devices, a period of time away from each other could improve the quality of the friendship.”

“I don’t believe anyone could lose a friend just because of lockdown. I mean, there is a saying, friendships grow stronger when they separate.”

“It’s when they realize how much their friends mean to them, so they stay in touch.” 

Tips

Let the quarantine life no longer be a stage of estrangement from friends. The daily sharing of our boring lives can be turned into a food appreciation meeting at home.  Some desserts and dishes that you did not dare to try before can become new highlights for discussion among friends.  

In addition to studying, reading the same interesting book at the same time, sharing and discussing daily progress. Doing some small challenges, such as girls imitating the makeup of a certain star, and boys discussing the strategy of the next game, even though they are in different places, but their hearts are together.

During this difficult stage, friendship overcomes the test of distance and time, and some become dull, but most of them will find fun in boredom, be creative together, share blessings, and overcome difficulties are the nature of friendship.