Tired Relationships

The Exhaustion of Being Social During a Pandemic

Earlier today, I was texting a close friend — a typical check-in — to see how each other was doing, when she asked me, “do you feel like relationships or friendships are exhausting this season?” She added that they no longer liked being the first to text or reply first to texts because people’s responses can be unpredictable.

At that moment, I felt seen. I felt that I was no longer alone in how I’ve come to feel that this pandemic has shaped my socialization with family, friends, and…