We asked Chicagoans: What are you doing to maintain friendships during the pandemic? Some answers have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.
“Bringing them booze! I work in the alcohol industry — this is one of the perks, and I’m happy to share.” — Holli Anzalone
“A group of friends and I get together on Zoom every Friday night, have a few beers and share music videos from YouTube on Watch2Gether — anything from classic MTV to comedy sketches. It’s one of the only things keeping me sane.” — John Eliasik
“I have been using social media quite a bit. I am in a high-risk category, due to my age, and the Internet has helped me stay focused and connected to the things I miss so much.” — Jo Ann Fields
“WhatsApp, FIFA pros and Zoom.” — Gerry Obi Jaramillo
“Monthly Zoom get-togethers with two friends whom I shared pizza and wine with one Friday a month for five years. One member of our trio moved out of state a year and a half ago, so Zoom enabled us to recreate our tradition.” — Julie MacCarthy
“FaceTime with family, texting and occasional phone calls with friends.” — Patricia Smith
“Walking with them.” — Tina Rotter
“Texting mostly.” — Jackie Waldhier
“Wine on the patio and fire pits.” — Elizabeth Cook
“Talking on the phone — just like before COVID.” — Kathy Houlihan
“Phone calls and Zoom gatherings.” — Cynthia Lipsey
“Social media is fairly invaluable in making sure that I’m not the only one I’m talking to.” — Mary Jane Tala
“We still meet for beers and parties at our houses. We live rurally, we are all healthy, and none of us know anyone infected.” — John Handy
