This article was written for American Psychological Association Division 49 [Early Career Psychology Column November 2020]

The world has never been larger and smaller at the same time. I have been one of the fortunate ones who has a secure job and keeps working from home since March. Our animals have never been happier spending so much time with me. My wife unfortunately returned to working in person, and I worry for her.
I am happy to have a fantastic relationship with my wife and we genuinely enjoy each other’s company. However, there is a longing for additional meaningful face-to-face interactions. Over the past seven months, I cherished a few times that I’ve spend with my friends in-person. I feel grateful about my wife always been there with me every day, but I can’t help but think of others who live by themselves. How are they doing it? I know I would be unable to spend so much time in solitude.
Since the start of the pandemic I have discovered the wonders of Zoom connection. All of the sudden, the world has become a much smaller place. You wish to listen to a psychoanalytic lecture in London? Sure! Would you like to see what mental health professionals are doing in another country? Easy! It has been a fantastic opportunity to learn in a way that was previously unavailable and even listening to lectures in my native language, Russian. Technology also brought me much closer to my friends. One friend has been using an app MarcoPolo with me multiple times per week. We are both busy people and find it difficult to set aside time, yet the app allows us to send video messages to one another. I found it extraordinary easy to leave a quick message whenever I have a chance.
This time has been full of opportunity and challenge for all of us. Take care of yourself and those around you. We are all in this together.