Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said the Government is on track to ease restrictions on 4 May and that he is confident over 80% of people will have been offered a vaccine by June.
As excited as we are about the possibility of easing restrictions son – oh, to sit in a pub garden with our mates! – the changes can also bring about a fair amount of re-entry anxiety.
If you feel like your social skills are a bit rusty after more than a year of Covid-related restrictions, here’s how to flex those muscles again…
Pick up the phone
To really ease yourself back into IRL conversations, why not practice on the phone? And no, texting doesn’t count – it has to be an actual chat.
Get used to asking questions
Next time you’re talking to a friend, ask open-ended questions to really get the conversation flowing.
Pop out for a walk
A socially distanced walk with a friend won’t take much time out of your day, and could be a great way to get some fresh air and reconnect with someone from your area.
Join a club
After months of hanging out with just your household, it’s probably been a while since you met anyone new. Why not join an online book club or re-connect with an old friend for a round of golf or game of tennis when the outdoor sports re-open? You’ll get the chance to have new conversation with new faces.
Talk to people in customer service
Shops and supermarkets are a good opportunity to sharpen up your small talk by chatting to staff.
Take up a new hobby
If you’re worried about having absolutely nothing to say when you see your mates (who actually has news other than what they’ve been watching on Netflix?), consider swiftly taking up a new hobby or challenge like reading new books, watching classic movies or taking up running. That way, you’ll have a topic of conversation ready to go when you’re out and about – and it’s a lot more interesting than endless Covid chat.
Plan your socialising around activities
Sitting down with a friend and chatting for a few hours might feel a bit intense, particularly if you’re out of practise. Instead plan your meet-ups around activities – maybe playing frisbee or football in the park – to take some of the pressure off, and so it doesn’t feel awkward if there’s a lull in conversation.
Ease yourself back into socialising
If you’re feeling particularly anxious about your social life restarting, take it as slow as you need to. Maybe meet up with close friends first, and plan in plenty of time for yourself. You’ll probably find it’s like riding a bike – you’ll be back in the groove in no time.
