This is for those of us who have contracted the Covid virus and are in isolation.  and this is for those of us who have come into contact with someone who has come down with the virus and is therefore in quarantine.

the virus is bad enough, but what i have found is that living in isolation is even worse.

so what is a person supposed to do to while in isolation?  what can you do during this period that will allow you to keep your sanity?  your need for human contact and socialization?  your need to be do something together with your kids, your loved ones or your friends?

what to do…?

well, a really close friend of mine came up with an idea that we have implemented the last few nights — an idea that definitely boosted my spirits.  an idea that i wanted to share with you.

let’s name it…how to watch a movie together during Covid when you are isolated or quarantined, and separated physically from your friends, kids, or loved ones.

first, pick a movie on Netflix or Amazon Prime that you both want to see and agree upon.  we picked “Operation Christmas Drop” one night and the “Power of the Dog” on another night.

on another night we watched “Christmas Inheritance”.

second, set a specific time to begin watching the movie at your respective domiciles.  a very specific time — like, 7:35pm or 8:04pm.  call each other to double check that all systems are go, and begin watching the movie at the exact same time, but on your respective TV screens or laptops.

third, agree that whenever either one of the two of you wants to take a break or talk about what is happening in the movie, that you will either text or call the other person.  then, when that happens you both put the movie on pause simultaneously.

next, during the pause in the movie, you call each other and discuss whatever in the movie is sparking your interest.  once that conversation is over, you both agree to resume the movie at the same time.

you can repeat this “pause and discuss” feature as many times as you want during the movie.  and of course at the end too.

what i have found is that this is a wonderful experience.  even though i am not physically sitting next to someone, i am able to experience the same movie at the same time and with the added benefit of being able to discuss it at different intervals together.  it felt really good.

obviously, not the same thing as being able to put your arm around someone or hold their hand or share popcorn together.  but not too bad given the fact that we had to be in isolation or quarantine.

just a small idea to make life a little cheerier and more connected during these very unusual times.