Dear Debra,
“I started dating an amazing lady one month ago and now with the social distancing, I am not able to see her. I am so upset about this and quite honestly a bit depressed. We are both retired, so we have alot of time on our hands. Please give me some ideas on what I can do to maintain my relationship with my new lady during this difficult time.”
Thank you!
George – Riverside, RI
Dear George,
Thank you for reaching out to me. So many people are feeling exactly like you are during these troubling times with coronavirus. Feeling lonely and depressed is natural. You are not able to continue with your day-to-day routine and this is compounded with not seeing your new lady friend. I am excited that you have found a connection with her and the key is to maintain it during this time. I have a few pointers for you that should help.
- Set up a telephone date where you will speak together for 15-30 minutes each day at a time that is convenient for both of you. Since you are in the early stages of your relationship, you should have plenty of topics to discuss, from world events to personal topics. Since communication is so important with a relationship, you will continue to learn more about her during these telephone conversations.
- You can both agree to read the same book and one time a week set up your very own virtual book club. You can discuss the chapters you have read the week before. This will peak your intellectual compatability and further your understanding of each other’s view point.
- You can choose a movie that you both want to see and stream it on Netflix together. You can text during the movie and comment on what is happening and it will make you feel like you are sitting right beside each other and watching the movie together!
- You can write each other letters…old fashion snail mail and mail them to each other. There is comfort in receiving a letter in the mail and these may become treasured keepsakes.
- Also, don’t forget to send a few texts to each other. They are quick, easy and sure to bring a smile.
- Spend time researching a vacation spot that you would both like to visit and read about the local attractions available. During your telephone calls, you can plan out a tentative itinerary. This will give you something to look forward to and help you gain more information on a destination. You will continue to learn more about each other’s likes and dislikes and have fun planning a vacation as well!
Most of all, it is important that you maintain a connection and this can end up being a wonderful time that you get to know each other on a deeper level than ever before possible.
Good luck as you navigate the next stage of your life!