Relationship Challenges We're Facing as We Return to Normal

If you've lost touch with friends you care about, reach out and break the silence. Here's how to do it.

Let's take five minutes to see the week in a new light. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind Nurturing Relationships as We Ease into a New 'Normal'   While some relationships were strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have also fallen out of touch with friends, colleagues, and family. Pair this with social anxiety and uncertainty around this new, "new normal," and it's understandable you might be feeling unsure of how to navigate your relationships.   As part of Verywell Mind's Return to Normalcy content collection, we're taking a moment to discuss some of the challenges we might face as we begin to rekindle friendships, head back to the office, and begin dating again. Rekindling Friendships  Since COVID-19, many of us have "lost touch" with people in our life. Now is a good time to evaluate your friends, family, acquaintances, and colleagues, and prioritize the relationships you want to strengthen.   To rekindle the relationships most important to you, reach out and break the silence by updating each other on your lives. From there, you can make plans to hang out in-person when possible.     Heading Into the Office  A recent survey found that two thirds of workers are concerned about returning to the office. These concerns may include health fears, reduced flexibility, commuting, and general change of pace. While some employers are re-thinking the traditional work model, many employees find themselves with no choice but to return to the office.   If you're feeling reluctant, try focusing on the positives—like workplace camaraderie and improved productivity. Also, ease into this change by re-connecting with colleagues beforehand, managing work anxiety, and by practicing self-care.       It could be prudent to take stock of your friendships after the big pause. Figure out which ones are most satisfying and how you might strengthen them." —  IRENE S. LEVINE, PH.D. Re-Entering the Dating World   Dating was perhaps one of the most confounding roads to navigate during the COVID-19 pandemic. For some, the social pause was welcomed while others found it frustrating. Wherever you stood, the platform is moving again.   As you prepare to date post-COVID, start by checking in with yourself and establishing boundaries and expectations. Then, allow yourself to slowly ease back into the process. This guide is helpful, and even includes date ideas.   On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us Every weekly episode of the Hay House Meditations podcast focuses on a key theme around wellness. The goal is to better equip you with ways to nourish your soul, mind, body, and health. Along the way, it features inspiring guests to weigh in on their field of expertise. Feeling a little rusty when it comes to your social skills? "How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships" is an audio book that discusses everything from mastering small talk to making a dynamite first impression. Ways to Nurture Your Mind and Body This week, take some time to answer the following questions about yourself and your relationships. Reflect on where you were, where you are, and where you want to go.   In what ways have I changed over the last year and a half? Which relationships have I strengthened, and which got weaker? What relationships do I want to prioritize in the next few months, and how can I do so? What are some of my fears as we move into "normalcy" again? How can I work to alleviate them? What are some ways I can challenge myself socially in the few months? Products to Help You Feel Your Best The next time you meet up with a group of friends, bring along BIG TALK, a simple card game featuring questions that help you strengthen relationships. It was inspired by Kalina Silverman's TED Talk on "How to Skip Small Talk and Connect With Anyone." Happy Journal, Happy Life is a gratitude journal filled with creative prompts to get you joyful. For each entry you're asked to draw a simple picture, a process that allows you to stop and notice the beautiful things in life and helps foster a more positive mindset.  Even before the pandemic, we were dealing with unprecedented levels of stress. Stress Management: 40 Easy Ways to Deal With Stress—a class on Udemy— equips you with skills to overcome and take control of your stress, reduce burnout, and improve your quality of life. The Latest From The Verywell Mind Podcast   How to Unwind Your Anxiety with Dr. Jud Brewer Dr. Jud Brewer is a psychiatrist and a neuroscientist. He's spent more than 20 years researching habit change and the "science of self-mastery." His newest book, Unwinding Anxiety, became an instant New York Times bestseller. When you hear him talk, you'll understand why his book is so popular. He shares some really simple but effective strategies for managing anxiety.   Friday Fix: Why You Should Talk to Yourself in the Third Person If you're like most people, you might think in the first-person. You tell yourself, "I have to go to the store," or "I am going to mess up."   But you may want to start using third person when you think—call yourself by your name or use your pronouns.   It's something that NBA all-star Lebron James has demonstrated. And researchers think he's onto something.   In today's Friday Fix, I share why you might want to start talking to yourself in the third person and how it can help you make better decisions in your life.    Make sure to tune in to tomorrow's episode. I'll be talking to YouTube sensation Daniel Howell. While he's known for his funny content, his new book, You Will Get Through This Night, is serious. He's sharing actionable strategies for getting through the night when you're filled with worry and dread at 2 AM.   Subscribe Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts / RSS Read These Next How to Get Out of a Rut READ NOW 6 Reasons Why Friends Are So Important READ NOW How to Strengthen Your Friendships With Good Listening Skills READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. 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