This pandemic lockdown has turned me into a chat person.

I’ve now connected more with people on Facebook than last year combined.

Which is weird because I don’t encourage people chatting through Facebook. It feels inauthentic.

And I kind of dislike scrolling because it makes me unproductive (and unhappy), well, sometimes.

But now, here I am doing the opposite (I’m using my laptop by the way; I don’t have a smartphone).

It’s hard to believe, but I have to do it.

I wanted to talk to people who might be lonely and depressed, especially those living alone.

We don’t truly know what it’s like for others. And we don’t truly know what the future holds.

But on the bright side — yes there’s a bright side — we are still lucky. We have the Internet and social media platforms, allowing us to connect with people even those living on the other side of the planet.

And that, my friend, is something we should be grateful for.

So here’s a little reminder: Don’t take this for granted.

If you’re not on Facebook, there are other ways such as email or Zoom or Skype or whatever as long as it helps you connect.

Or if you’re truly an old school, just call or text them. Ask how they’re doing. Ask how they feel. Listen to their story. Comfort them if they need it.

Do whatever it takes.

This is the best time to connect and care.