The Buddy System

[motodraconis]

Here's something I have been discussing with my students, which I would like to share

Comments

[kirundo]

That is a very good idea! I've heard it from school, older kids helping younger ones and such but giving this physical distancing thing (I will not call it social distancing, damn semantics) it might help a few people!

Btw I have been reading your entries and saw the cute soss pics, no idea why I haven't had the energy to comment on anything :S

[motodraconis]

There are so many of them, I can't watch out for all of them, I need their help! Luckily the reaction has been positive.

[kirundo]

That's good. I've noticed that as well amonst my colleagues, they call each other very often now to stay in contact.

[jaelle_n_gilla]

I like the idea, especially when the ground rules are set. Between friends, as I know from experience, it's difficult, or it can be. One is always stronger, one is weaker, and a friend might not want to hear a friend say "you need help and more than I can give". Buddies on the other hand, I think that can work.

That said, when diving with my dearest husband, I have the job of leading, and he following and he gets BLOODY LOST EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. He gets distracted, keeps giving me the ok, and then fiddles with his equipment. *GAH* So much for a buddy system.

[motodraconis]

"fiddles with his equipment" snerk. That sort of thing should not be done in public. (Snigger.)

Seriously though, a measure of emotional distance between buddies is a good point, as people can feel too awkward to show pain or weakness to close chums.

[jaelle_n_gilla]

*lol* I didn't think of that underlying meaning :-)

I agree, with just study mates that makes a lot of sense.

[puddingcat]

THANK YOU. You're the first person I've seen who gives a crap about people with mental health issues, from what I can tell.

[motodraconis]

I keep saying to my students "Your health is important!" That means mental health as well as physical health.

[motodraconis]

It can happen, people don't realise how ill they are until it's gone way too far. I'm so pleased you have a good buddy you can trust. It does make all the difference.

[ganimede]

This is such a great idea. I know I often give people a nudge or send a message if they're awol on here or seem a bit off. I'd like to think that they'd do the same for me.