I’ve been making it a point to check in with a few friends each day, just to see how they are doing right now with everything going on. Some are doing well, some are thriving, but there are a lot that are not ok, they are struggling.

I get it, as an introvert, I’ve struggled a lot through the years; being expected to be ok with hanging out with a ton of people, having to make small talk (yuck), having to be outgoing and participate in “team builders.” I don’t like it, but I learned how to put on the facade that it was ok and then go home and have my “me time” to relax and recharge. I have been thriving the past almost two years now, since I went on maternity leave with Little Man, spending 13 weeks home with him, then going back to work only 2 days per week. I was able to get into a routine being home with him on my own while Squatch was at work, and only going to the store once a week, finding cheap or free things to do with Little Man to get him out of the house. Last summer, when I left my job to stay home full-time with Little Man, I was ecstatic; I didn’t have to completely drain myself for 12 hours a day with the travel to and from the city, being social in the office, etc.; I could finally be me without the judgment from others.

When schools started closing a few weeks ago, and people were told to work from home, then the “shelter in place” orders came out, I noticed my friends sharing on FaceBook that they were not in good places. They were not prepared for what was going on; they needed food, toilet paper (no one has enough toilet paper), someone to help with the children they were suddenly stuck with 24/7, and they missed seeing and interacting with people.

Don’t get me wrong, it is so important to have those social interactions, and I try to have them myself, it’s why I was sure to get Little Man out to story/play time each week, and I have started advising the sorority again, and I keep in touch with my friends, but it is not a priority for me; I don’t get fulfillment from it, like so many do. Tell me to stay home for 2-4 weeks, and I will gladly do it. This is not the case for many; people are truly struggling, and they don’t know how to express it or how to deal with it.

So, how can we help this situation? We reach out; via hangouts, text, phone call, fb messenger, voxer, zello, whatever means you have. Let our struggling friends know that they are not alone on this journey. Heck, I’ve got a virtual happy hour scheduled with some of my girlfriends tonight, just so I can see some different faces. We have so many technological supports during this time of isolation, we can definitely use them for good.

Are you struggling? What would you like to see from others out there? If you’re not struggling, what can you do to help those who are?