While it has been more than three years since the pandemic first struck, the impact of the lockdowns still resonates in our lives.
We are no longer bound by strict regulations that ensued at the peak of the pandemic, but the repercussions of that time of utter loneliness, isolation and segregation can still be felt. The uncertainty that the period of lockdown brought with itself has left behind far-reaching effects. The emotional and psychological toll that the lockdown has taken on personal relationships, is quite palpable, even today. Because with lockdown, came a set of unprecedented, frankly unique challenges, and for certain relationships, it became a crucible.
Being together all the time put a strain on everyone's patience and fortitude, exposing the relationship's strengths and weaknesses. Many couples wrestled with an unaccustomed closeness, attempting to achieve a balance between intimacy and personal space. The closing of borders and restrictions on travel dealt an especially harsh hand to long-distance partnerships. Distance between partners impaired their relationships because they longed to be so close. The pandemic weighed heavily on friendships as well. Souvik from India recalls how frustrating it got, all plans were cancelled, everyone was in their houses, “locked-in”. Zoom was the only way to keep in touch with the outside world.
The friends that I hold so dear to me, post-lockdown, I make it a point to let them know they matter
The reverberations of lockdown continue to echo through our lives as we navigate the tricky waters of love and friendships. Lockdown has completely reshaped the dynamics of human interactions in the post pandemic world. The impact of this period, though now in the rearview mirror, is far from dissipating. The abrupt shift to virtual communication, the restricted social interactions, and the separation from loved ones has left us all with an indelible mark. I prefer working remotely now, hence I have zero interactions with my colleagues. I consume content like a maniac, and I enjoy being by myself. Lockdown did fix my relationship with myself, it completely washed away that need to validate myself at a pub every Saturday night. But it has also shown me the power of resilience. The friends that I hold so dear to me, post-lockdown, I make it a point to let them know they matter, to drop that occasional message, to plan that zoom birthday even if we are all in different parts of the world. The domain of online dating has also seen significant boost.
The lockdown-era 'new normal' has permeated our daily lives. Virtual communication, once a lifeline amid solitude, is now routine. These tools are helpful, but the lack of physical connection has hindered personal growth.
The pandemic is no longer the constant headline anymore, but it is crucial to acknowledge that the focus has shifted to rebuilding and revitalising relationships
Lockdowns have damaged friendships, and relationships. The inability to share spaces, hug, eat, and celebrate milestones has taken a toll on everyone. But while we overcome that phase, the memory of the lockdown and its residual impact persists. The pandemic is no longer the constant headline anymore, but it is crucial to acknowledge that the focus has shifted to rebuilding and revitalising relationships. The idea is, therefore, to simply strike a balance between digital convenience and in-person contact. It is a delicate but important dance to reintroduce physical contact while still embracing the benefits of technology.
Nurturing our connections becomes a critical component of our continuous recovery and adaptation to this new reality, whether through tiny acts of kindness, regular in-person encounters, or simply taking the time to listen and interact.
