Got questions? “Ask Kiki” is your local advice column for relationship woes, employment concerns and life issues. Today, New In Town has a question and Kiki has an answer.
Q.
I’m new to town and having a hard time meeting people during COVID. How can I make friends and socially distance at the same time?
~ New in Town ~
A.
Hello New in Town, and welcome to Kingsville.
While I appreciate that meeting people can be challenging in the best of times, I cannot imagine what it must be like during COVID-19. When we are in our youth, it seems easy. We make connections at school, work, at clubs or online. Then we become adults and our circle gets smaller.
I have traveled quite a bit and understand the feeling of being a total stranger. Generally, I recommend joining a social club, or connecting with other parents if you have kids. I used to spend a lot of time at the community pool and at the local gym, and met quite a few people there. But these aren’t those times, and many of the venues you might normally use are not available.
So how can you meet people during COVID-19?
1) Have an online presence.
It sounds impersonal, but I have made multiple connections through social media. More than once I was planning a move and reached out through Facebook groups that resonated with me.
Are you into biking? Join a bicycle enthusiasts’ group. Healthy eating? Join a health-minded group. Do you care about the community? Kingsville has multiple Facebook pages dedicated to its citizens. I have found it possible to make friends online before ever meeting in person. It’s like online dating … but for pals.
2) Are you working yet?
It stands to reason that you might be able to make friends with your workmates. Obviously, you both have similar career aspirations, perhaps you may have more in common than you think. But be wary of how much you open up to people at work. It’s a fine line and you never know when a conversation could become an HR issue!
3) Wave to the neighbours!
Just a simple “Hello” over the fence or a “Nice to meet you” can develop into lasting friendships. Take a chance and say hello. People in Kingsville are very approachable from my experience.
4) We may be in Stage 1 still.
We may still need to remain 6 feet apart. We may need to limit our social circles, wear masks and sanitize like crazy. But we are all still human beings and we are all craving social contact. You may not be able to settle in beside the person at the next bar stool, but you can still maintain a conversation with people.
Sometimes just going for a walk, asking a question on a message board, chatting in the lineup outside of a store, or waving to the dog walker as she goes by, is enough to get the ball rolling. I have found people are talking more than ever. We have more in common than ever. COVID-19 has brought the world together in a unique way.
So, go ahead and bond over it! Maybe you can’t see his face. Maybe you can only make out every third word she’s saying. But just grin and go with it!
~ Kiki ~
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Anyone facing personal struggles, or who has a question, is welcome to write in. You are not alone and Kiki is ready to help. And don’t worry! You will remain completely anonymous. We are a small town and respect your privacy.
Kiki is standing by to take your questions now at ask.kiki@kingsvilletimes.ca
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