In the depths of winter when it's cold and dark, I sometimes find it hard to motivate myself to go out and spend time with friends. If I'm being honest, even if a potential activity is something I love to do with someone, I often feel like just staying home in my sweatpants and watching Netflix.
Apparently, many Americans feel the same way, regardless of the season. The U.S. Census Bureau's American Time Use Survey has found a significant increase in the amount of time Americans spend alone in the past few years. Even before the Covid-19 Pandemic, Americans were increasingly opting of out of spending time with friends and loved ones. This trend holds true for all demographic groups.
We've written on this blog about the loneliness epidemic in the United States and why it's bad for our mental and physical well-being, but it can be difficult to break the cycle of isolating ourselves and relying on social media to stand in for interpersonal relationships. Nonetheless, it's vital that we continue to invest ourselves in our social relationships.
Friendship improves happiness, and abates misery, by doubling our joys, and dividing our grief.
Cicero
That's why in the heart of this winter, we at Language of Friendship want you to know we care about your well-being. We challenge you to make sure you're exercising, eating healthy foods and spending time with your friends and loved ones. Let us know how you like to socialize during these cold months, whether it's something active like going snowshoeing or something more relaxing like catching up in front of the fire while drinking a latte. Whatever you're doing, make sure you have a friend along or sign up for something where you could make a new one!
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