THE EFFECTS OF 2020 ON RELATIONSHIPS
Many readers of my “Ask Dr. Gramma Karen” column responded to my invitation to share how their specific relationships, or their relationships in general, have been affected in 2020, especially in two main areas: (1) by the coronavirus pandemic; (2) by politics.
I have categorized my readers’ impacts on their relationships as follows:
- Existing relationships were maintained / strengthened.
- Relationships were damaged / terminated.
- Certain topics were declared off limits to preserve relationships.
- Reconnections and new friendships developed.
- Self-reflection and new insights informed relationships.
In reading these responses, it is clear that the political and health challenges dominating 2020 impacted people’s relationships in a variety of profound ways. Some people’s stories about what happened to their relationships are sad; others are full of joy, promise, and hope.
Many thanks to my readers for sharing their personal stories and experiences, which you can read here. We can learn from all of them.
SOME SAMPLE COMMENTS
THE EFFECTS OF 2020 ON RELATIONSHIPS
Relationships Strengthened \ Relationships Damaged
Preserved Relationships \ Reconnections & New Friendships
Self-reflection & New Insights
Karen L. Rancourt 