Saved by A CHAT

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown impacted us all. But while most people couldn't wait to get out of the house once social restrictions were relaxed, others had become too anxious to take advantage of our new-found freedom.
Wendy Norman was one of these people. 'Staying at home had become too much of a habit,' says the 62-year-old from Norwich. 'I found myself making excuses, even to myself, about why I wasn't going out. It has only been since the start of this year that I have rediscovered my confidence and the joys of meeting people in person again - and it's all down to a very special scheme.'
Before the pandemic, Wendy was extremely social. Despite living alone, she was often out of the house two or three times a day to attend meetings for her two jobs - running a virtual PR agency and working as a business coach - plus meeting friends for long lunches and catch-ups on weekends.
Even when she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2018, Wendy didn't let that hold her back, often going out in compression gloves to stop the pain. Yet, when lockdown was announced and Wendy was instructed to shield because of her health conditions, she didn't find it a chore to stay in.
'I actually enjoyed the slower pace of life - I certainly didn't miss the 6.30am meetings,' Wendy recalls. 'I'm quite happy in my own company and because I spent six hours a day talking to people at work, I didn't have the chance to feel lonely?
Instead, Wendy filled her spare time with painting and drawing, having the occasional chat with her neighbours over their garden fence.
この記事は Woman's Weekly の August 22, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Woman's Weekly の August 22, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン

A fatal ERROR
Who, or what, is to blame for Geraldine?

WILLING and able
Mary was as good as any lad – and she was going to prove it

PRICELESS
Her father left memories that Aanya would treasure forever

Pigeon TALK
Reenie's unwanted night-time visitor had her spitting feathers

Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY

Follow YOUR STAR
Georgie lived to dance – and now her dream job was within her grasp

GROW A dye garden
Unleash your creativity with plants that produce unique fabric dyes

Sunshine filled PUDDINGS
Delight your guests with these fruity desserts at your next gathering

Help!
Something was missing from Roxanne's life - but what was it?

LOVE on the ward
When Emma Ball needed dialysis treatment, the last thing on her mind was romance