Yvonne Glasgow
Looking to cheer up a friend who’s been going through a rough time? Here are three simple (socially distanced) options.
Reach out to your friends by doing some things that might help cheer them up. You can do each of these from home, or spend some socially-distanced time with your pals and share the cheer!
Have Food Delivered
Support a local restaurant and have some food delivered to your friend or neighbor. Want to spread some cheer a little wider than your immediate circle? Have pizza or another group-friendly food delivered to a local nursing home or your local first responders or medical staff.
Just be sure to phone ahead first and ask about any dietary restrictions—there’s no sense sending a bunch of meat-lovers pizzas to the local ER if half the staff are vegetarians.
If you’re buying for a friend who lives nearby, create a picnic or show up for a socially-distanced meal. You can sit outdoors, spaced apart, or maybe you can sit outside while your friend is on the other side of the patio screen door.
Ship or Drop Off a Care Package
Care packages are a great way to cheer someone up and show them you care. You can include almost anything in a care package. Here are some ideas:
- Wine and cheese: Grab a couple bottles, pick the best cheese pairings, and head to your friend’s house. Leave it on the porch and send them a text message, or make a plan for some socially-distanced drinks. Your friend is more of a beer fan? No problem! Check out our favorite beer and cheese pairings.
- Gluten-free goodies: If your friend requires gluten-free foods, put together a care package of tasty treats safe for him or her to eat, and then ship it or drop it off.
- Booklover’s collection: Care packages don’t have to include food. Put together some favorite books to share with your friend or neighbor. Make it a book club and read the same books you give them. Include some fancy coffee or tea, a new mug, and a cute bookmark.
If you’re at a loss for what to include, think of something you would normally do with your friend. Is there something you often share with that person? If they love fresh veggies or flowers from your garden, take a basket over!
Give Them a Ring
You don’t even have to leave your house to make a difference in someone’s day. Just pick up your phone and give them a call. Sometimes, it’s just nice to hear another person’s voice, even if you can’t see them in person.
While video chats are nice, a lot of people are feeling a bit burned out on them, given all the calls they have to make for work and to catch up with family. A standard, old-fashioned telephone call gives people a chance to chat without being watched by a camera’s eye for once.
The simplest gesture can cheer up someone who’s feeling down or lonely. Let your friends know you’re there for them, and tap into creative ways to stay connected.
