The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful. Students are dealing with being essential workers, to drama with Des Moines Public Schools and trying to stay healthy. All of this has led to students not being able to socialize. How can you make new friends during these tough times you may ask? Here are the four steps to making new friends during the 2020 pandemic.  

The first step is to explore social media and reach out to anyone who may be following you or are friends with. Checking out someone on social media beforehand can be an important tool in keeping yourself safe and to make sure you want to go through with meeting them in person. Just keep in mind of any red flags that they might show you such as if they put nothing about their life on the internet, or if they are sending naughty pictures. 

“Making friends through social media is a good thing but can also be bad. The good thing is you can have an amazing friend, but they could be very toxic to others. So, you just have to be careful” senior Trisha Killen said. 

The second step or another way you could make a new friend at rare events such as parties, small concerts, virtual events, community unity or even church events. Just remember to mask up.  

“I would recommend talking to people around your own age and find things you have in common. Some red flags would be if they were older, or if they don’t respect your boundaries” junior Nevaeh Graves said. 

According to the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC), Over the past few months, event professionals have pivoted quickly to support the new landscape of our industry. From virtual trade shows to micro-weddings, we’ve seen a major shift in how we approach meetings and events as a result of COVID-19. 

The third step is during school while in release time, you could reach out to someone a few seats away that way you’re still six feet away. The social and psychological needs for some students have become a challenge to meet in this COVID-fear-wracked world. Making friendships online doesn’t compare to old-school in-school, face-to-face socializing. 

“During release time iI sit in the gym, around but not too close to the people iI get along with. They sit next to their friends, and their friends become my friends too. I made some great friends during release time when school was open. You can make new friends however, whether it’s in or out of school. Lunch time is great, because there are limited students to each table and you can get to know the little bit of students there.” Graves said. 

The last step is to make plans with someone where you can stay six feet away such as going on a picnic, go to the movies eat out or even go to the park. Since winter is coming up, you could even go ice skating or if its snowy you could have a snowball fight and make a snowman. While this is good for our physical health and strained healthcare system, it’s not great for folks who are desperate for their daily dose of social connections, or anyone who is feeling lonely. 

“If you want to make plans with a new friend, get to know them a little first.! it’s a bit awkward having nowhere to start in a conversation. Make sure you don’t have any symptoms of Covid, maybe get tested to be sure, and you can find a nice park to hang out in. Make sure you choose the cutest mask you have, too!” Graves said.