Clementine’s Top 8 Ways to Knot for Social Support While Homebound
- Clementine
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
words to know
knot—a fastening made by tying a rope or something similar
range of motion—the distance and rotation an object normally makes while attached to something else
related commonplace topics
collaboration
community effort
friendship
self image
Sometimes, I can feel like I’m the only one to break social commitments. I don’t want to simply exist, vicariously living through the schedule choices of others. My time with loved ones shouldn’t be ruled by their needs alone or defined by my “inability” to do things. I hate to believe I’ve invested with people or a cause when I haven’t. But, how can I find connection and purposes worth caring about when I have times when I am homebound due to illness or grief?
I know the keys to solid, loving relationships, like—
maintaining consistent contact
feeling you are making a contribution
requiring a deeper conversation to sustain itself
sharing your triumphs and struggles in present tense
talking openly with someone whose opinion you value
bridging the diplomatic distances—emotional and physical
When I am homebound, my social skills can wane, and my opportunities grow limited. I miss celebrating victories, commiserating about woes, and building a cohesive story with those I love. In the past, I have tried these easy, low-cost ways to make social support knots:
Keep a regular FaceTime call.
Follow a shared TV show schedule.
Attend virtual tours, classes, or events.
Swap tips about easy, nutritious recipes.
Play a game app for two or more players.
Exchange photos to build a profile collage.
Invite a trusted person to help clean your closet.
Volunteer remotely by making calls or writing e-mails.
When I don’t know where to start, I look to local, national, and global venues that provide free access to virtual programs. Libraries, museums, parks, and colleges offer—
tours (behind-the-scenes, history, how-to)
classes (continuing education, language, music)
workshops (scrapbooking, fire safety, home exercise)
other interesting events (author lectures, health screenings, craft fairs)
I always rely on my interests to help define where to knot for social support. While developing strong relationships with loved ones, I rehab my emotional range of motion. I break the cycle of not being known. I also enforce a support system that can rely on me. I often find I’m not the only one feeling weak or restricted.
