The COVID-19 pandemic forces us to rethink who and what matters to us in terms of how we allocate our attention. Some friendships may have ended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, while others may have faded.
We observe that some relationships are maintained by long-term affection while some relationships leave without a direct anchor when communication is limited to text messages, phone conversations. occasional calls and celebrations on Zoom. In fact, after the pandemic, there has been a shift in how individuals view real connections.
Friendship analyzed by Bumble
According to research by Bumble, 43% of Indian adults surveyed said that COVID-19 has had a negative effect on their intimate relationships. Similarly, only 18% of people said it worked well. The loss of adult friendships is profound, whether it’s through a heartbreak or simply losing touch with friends.
‘According to research by Bumble, 43% of Indian adults surveyed said that COVID-19 has had a negative effect on their intimate relationships. Similarly, only 18% of people said it worked well. ‘
Citizens of India consider trust (62%), regular communication, shared values (48%) and equal effort (42%) as the three most important characteristics of a meaningful connection.
“At Bumble, we firmly believe that social connections play a vital role in the human experience and that strong relationships are the key to a happy and healthy life. In our recent study, 34% of adults in India want to expand their circle of friends in a new way to post a pandemic.Today, more people in India are open to looking for virtual friends. and Bumble BFF is a great way to meet like-minded people, all there with the common purpose of wanting to connect!” said Samarpita Samaddar, India Communications Director, Bumble.
Advertisement
Bumble’s relationship expert, Shahzeen Shivdasani, shares tips on how one can rekindle old friendships and relationships:
-
Approach:
When you’re ready to reach out, what you say isn’t as important as the effort in the first place. Getting to know someone by asking for or providing life updates after a period of time apart communicates the value and importance of friendship. Give an explanation if you want.
-
Consider comfort levels and respect boundaries:
Try to reach out and show them that you respect their space. Don’t expect them to return to reconnecting and respect the speed they set to reconnect with you, if they want to.
-
Planning:
Schedule a face-to-face meeting or virtual chat when you’re both comfortable. While you can hang out in groups and still enjoy each other’s company, real bonding happens when you open up to each other when it’s just the two of you. This is also how some friendships develop.
-
Effort needed:
All relationships require effort and that includes friendship. If you’re trying to mend your friendship, be aware of what caused them to break up in the first place. Honestly, open communication is key.
-
Accept it:
If your best efforts to mend the friendship fail, accept the loss. Resist the urge to pressure your friend to restore the relationship. All you can do is express your sincere desire to reconnect and hope the gesture is reciprocated. If not, it may be time to move on.
Source: IANS
Advertisement
