Like everyone in Italy and many other countries, you will be observing the rules of containment and social distancing introduced as a result of, and you may even be in quarantine or in home isolation. It is understandable to feel alone if you are confined to the house, especially if you are single and would like to know someone … if only the meeting places were open! Still, making new acquaintances from a distance is much less difficult than you might think.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Finding New People
Step 1. Search for potential partners via dating apps
They were used a lot even before the coronavirus outbreak, so you may already have a profile. If not, download one or more dating apps and enter your details, then browse other users' profiles to find someone who might interest you.
Try apps like Tinder, OkCupid, Bumble, Coffee Meets Bagel, or Hinge
Step 2. Use an app to find new friends
Today we don't use apps just to find a partner: there are some specifically dedicated to friendships. Download one or more and create a profile, then visit other users' profiles to find someone you have common interests with.
Try apps like Bumble BFF, MeetMe, Friendness, or even Meetup, where you might find a few groups to join
Step 3. Follow or ask people for friendship on social media
A good part of social interactions now take place in the virtual world, and social media can be a great way to relate to others without risking contagion. On Facebook you can add users who appear in the "People You May Know" section or ask friends who comment on mutual friends' posts. On Instagram you can search for hashtags you like and follow profiles that seem interesting to you. You can also search for people to follow on Snapchat, Telegram, or TikTok.
If someone accepts your friend request or becomes your follower, they may be interested in talking to you and becoming your friend
Method 2 of 3: Create a Connection
Step 1. Send a message to a potential friend or partner via the app you have chosen to use
If you've found someone you would like to make friends with or who attracts you, send them a short, friendly message to say hello and introduce yourself. Mention something you noticed on his profile and ask him a question to get the conversation going. If you contact the person on a social network, specify why you are doing so to reassure them about your intentions.
- On a dating app you might write, "Hi, my name is Sara. I love Wes Anderson movies too! What's your favorite?".
- On a friend app you might say, "Hey, it's Alex. I noticed we like the same games! I just got the new Animal Crossing, and you?".
- On social media, send a message like this: "Hi! I'm a friend of Andrea's and I've seen you often comment on his posts. I'm looking for new friends to chat with since you can't go out. Would you like that?".
Step 2. Talk to your new acquaintances daily to build a bond
You will likely have more free time than usual, so use it to interact with your new friends or potential partners throughout the day to develop a relationship. Ask questions, tell anecdotes about yourself and send funny memes.
- If you are looking for a partner, make it a habit to say good morning and good night to the person in question. Also tell her what you are doing at different times of the day so she can get a sense of your personality.
- If you just want to make friends, tell funny stories, ask questions or send ridiculous memes. You can also talk about an interest you have in common.
Step 3. Ask each other 20 questions to get to know each other better
One of the benefits of online interactions is being able to have more intense conversations, which allows you to get to know each other better and know more about each other. Whether you're looking for a partner or a friend, ask the person if they'd like to play a question and answer game. If yes, ask and answer 20 questions in turn, via chat or text message.
Here are some sample questions: "What is your dream job?"; "What is your ideal vacation?"; "What job would you like to take on if you were on a mission to Mars?"; "Which superpower would you like and why?"
Step 4. Meet face to face in a video chat
When you feel ready, make a video chat to see yourself from a distance, using an application such as Skype, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime or Zoom. Think of it as a proper date and dress like you are going out.
During the video call, behave as if it were an in-person meeting, so that it feels spontaneous and natural. If you would normally go out for a drink, suggest that you both have a beer or a glass of wine while you talk; if you would go get something at the bar, make a coffee or a cup of tea
Step 5. Send yourself photos and videos to get even closer
In normal times you would show the person the neighborhood you live in or take them to your favorite places. Since these activities will have to wait for the outbreak to end, take photos or videos that capture moments from your everyday life and send them to your new friend or potential partner.
For example, you could photograph a cup of coffee with an open newspaper next to it, to show your morning rituals, or take a "video tour" of your home
Method 3 of 3: Spend Time Together
Step 1. Watch the same movie or TV show
Talk to your new acquaintance about the programs you enjoy. Choose something that appeals to both of you and watch it at the same time, exchanging comments via text or video call while watching.
If you look at something that lasts a long time, it is better that you limit yourself to the messages; you might write something like, "Oh my God! Did you see what happened?" or: "I knew it would go like this!"
Step 2. Go on a remote treasure hunt
You can create a list of items together, prepare two separately and then exchange them or search for some online. Then go find the things listed in the list, take a picture of them and send you the pictures to prove that you found them. Play against each other or try to complete the list together.
The list should include things you can find around the house or nearby, such as a bicycle, flower, cat, fruit, board game, band logo t-shirt, pajamas, or festive decorations
Step 3. Propose an activity to share via video call
Video chats aren't just for talking! You can have fun together in several ways. Take turns thinking about something to do. Here are some ideas:
- Cooking or dining together;
- Chat over coffee or tea;
- Have a beer or a glass of wine;
- Playing a board game or an online game;
- Visit a museum with a virtual tour, such as the Louvre, the Vatican Museums or the Van Gogh Museum.
Step 4. Arrange a group call on Skype or Zoom
You don't necessarily have to limit yourself to tête-à-tête interactions: you can also do group video chats! Invite both your old friends and new acquaintances to join a call using a free communication service. Set the meeting, then invite everyone to join the conversation. Some things you can do are:
- Have a drink together;
- Play a role-playing game, a party game, or an online game;
- Dedicate yourself to an art or craft project;
- Reading a play;
- Establish an online reading, wine tasting, recipe or sewing club.
Step 5. Limit yourself to online interactions
On May 4, 2020, in Italy, "phase 2" was introduced, which provides for a relaxation of containment measures; however, in addition to going out for reasons of necessity such as work or shopping, one can only visit relatives and engage in individual outdoor motor activities. Then continue to learn more about the person in question via app, social media or telephone, until it is possible to return to date freely.
Advice
- If you are already in a relationship, starting from 4 May 2020 you have the opportunity to visit your partner, who is one of the "relatives"; however, it is recommended to limit meetings with non-cohabitants as much as possible. So try to act as if you are in a long-distance relationship until it is safe to see yourself as before.
- Create a link for a virtual match on a site like Zoom, Discord, or Slack, then post it on your social profiles to see who shows up. You may find new friends!
