Starting a new job? First year at University? Starting something new at any time is a tough transition. New coworkers, responsibilities, and things to learn can be overwhelming, and often relationships with others help us through it. The pandemic has meant most of us have been working remotely, and need to learn to make friends virtually. Keep reading to find tips on how to make it easier.
Making new friends as an adult should be classified as an extreme sport. Tie in a lack of physical contact and masks covering half of your face, and you’ve handicapped yourself even further.
The virtual environment we’re finding ourselves in has brought new challenges to building connections, and it can be hard to make friends virtually. Gone are the days where you could smile at someone in the hallway and strike up a conversation. Today’s interactions are intentional. Yup. You’ve got to put even more effort into making connections, but in my opinion, these relationships can be fulfilling - and no pants are needed (a win in my books).
Above all else, you get out what you put in. As wonderful as it would be to just show up and have great relationships, it just doesn’t happen. You need to force yourself to engage in group chats, and make an effort to meet people. As someone who doesn’t always actively participate, this was an adjustment for me.
Like with anything, there are pros and cons to the virtual environment. While there are no casual run-ins to colleagues or classmates in the halls, it’s more understandable to directly contact someone you haven’t met to virtually “meet” for coffee.
Some tips I’ve found useful:
Turn your camera on
Wicked bedhead and PJ’s stopping you from turning your camera on? Throw it up in a messy bun and turn that camera on! The virtual environment inherently makes people feel disconnected. While ZOOM fatigue is real, it’s important to have some time with your camera on - especially in meetings with smaller groups. It’s the next best thing to meeting in person, and it allows you to get to know people better. Overcome your camera fear and connect!
Quick tips to make it easier:
- Virtual backgrounds are your friend, and save you from needing to clean your space (or pretend you’re not working in your bedroom). I’ve found some virtual backgrounds to look too fake, and have recently been opting to blur instead. Try some out and see what works best for you!
- Pants? We don’t know her. Loungewear on the bottom half always.
- Greasy hair? Low bun and middle part does wonders. I don’t know about you, but the resolution on my webcam is mediocre at best. We’re talking a nice layer of cling wrap in front of the camera and some solid grain, so you can get away with having missed your last hair wash.
Connect on social media
In the past it might have been a little odd to receive a random message from someone you don’t know. While some of us are craving some ‘precedented’ times, remote settings make it more normal to connect with someone you’ve never met online.
Make friends virtually and send them a friend request or a follow, and say hi! An easy way to reach out is to introduce yourself and see if they want to have a quick virtual ‘coffee date’ to get to know each other a little better. Once you make contact, don’t forget to keep in touch! Send your new friend a meme and keep lines of communication open.
Participate in clubs/activities that are running
As hard as it can be to add more commitments to your plate, joining clubs and participating in activities are a great way to meet new people, and make virtual friends. While it can be a challenge to sacrifice your free time - you’re likely to meet people with similar interests and have some common ground to form a friendship.
For work: Join the virtual happy hour - even if not everyone goes! Every week you’ll get the chance to see a new face and build some connections
For school: Apply to be a part of an executive committee, or member of a club. If some in person activities are running, sign up for intramural sports! Innertube Water Polo anyone?
BONUS: Bumble BFF
While you’re probably familiar with bumble, the dating app, did you know there is a setting to meet friends? Since we’re doing online dating, why not try make friends virtually too! Set up your profile with pictures just like a dating app, add some things you’re interested in, and match with girls with similar interests!
These might feel odd and unfamiliar at first, but sometimes you’ve got to step out of your comfort zone to meet new people. In my opinion, in some ways it’s easier than ever to make friends. Dates? Well, that’s a whole other story.
Have you made friends since going remote? Comment below!
