Quarantine has gotten us all down with self-isolation. 

This separation has made connections with others challenging to maintain. I used to be very private by choice when I was younger, but since high school, I have been more outgoing. I attempted to experience everything I could. The effect of the coronavirus has forced me to use social media to communicate with others and stop my efforts in experiencing new things. 

Relationships and friendships have especially been more difficult because of this, even my relationship with my college advisors. Usually, I would meet with them in person to ask for advice or to tell them of updates that have happened. Now, because I am at home all day, I rely on video calls to chat with them. 

There is not anything inherently wrong with video calls; my issue with them is that they are new territory. Growing up, I was taught that leaving a good impression on someone was significant. That good impressions create a valuable relationship, and because of voice calls, it has gotten hard to establish. 

Another tricky relationship is one with significant others. Usually, relationships have you going out to dates and creating new memories with your partner. Now, the issue is you should not be going out anywhere at all. What I have been doing as of late in my relationship is finding means to connect online. I found that video games help keep a connection allowing you to laugh with your partner as you interact with them online. Video games have helped me stay connected and entertained with my friends, more now than ever. This is an unfortunate time, but having the Internet has made times much easier, especially for our social-emotional health.

Though, times are tough, staying connected in my friendships and relationships through technology have made this quarantine much better, especially since I do not know if there will ever be a time for us all to spend this much time together, in person or not.

Although this pandemic is testing us harshly, there are many ways to stay united through these hard times.