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How to Say No to Interacting socially

How to Say No to Interacting socially

Illustration for article titled How to Say No to Socializing

Photo: Shutterstock

States are opening back up again in spite of < a data-ga ="[["Embedded Url","External link","https://www.statnews.com/2020/04/30/reopening-some-states-heightens-risk-others/",{"metric25":1}]] href=" https://www.statnews.com/2020/04/30/ reopening-some-states-heightens-risk-others/" rel=" noopener noreferrer" target=" _ blank" > numerous cautions by professionalsthat it still isn’t safe to do so. On the other hand, we are all getting cabin fever– not surprisingly so– which suggests that in the coming weeks and months, it’s likely you’re going to require to weigh your individual safety versus the dreams of others who want to socialize with you and your household.

Perhaps it’s the pal who wants to meet at a dining establishment, or the family members who want to host a reunion, or the grandparents who truly, truly wish to see their grandkids.

When it concerns these kinds of requests, it’s important to be knowledgeable about the risks– which includes knowing what the local scenario is in regards to standards and case numbers– however it’s likewise truly important to trust your gut and to be able to state no if the recommendation does not feel safe to you.

Although saying no is uncomfortable, especially when you’re delivering the bad news to individuals who like, having the ability to do so is a truly valuable ability– and not just during a pandemic. If you discover yourself in a position where you require to provide a difficult but necessary “no” to pals or household, here are a few strategies to employ.

Provide a prompt answer

It can be actually hard to state no, specifically if you are stating no to someone you appreciate, and especially if you do not want to state no but you feel you require to since you aren’t comfy with dangers that you perceive however which others might not acknowledge. Because of that, you might find yourself procrastinating on providing your answer, whether it’s RSVPing to a birthday party, accepting go to that friend’s supper dinner celebration, or traveling to that family reunion. Nobody wants to skip an important event, but in these times, you might have to in order to remain (or feel) safe.

Instead of pushing off the discussion to a later date, it’s best to < a data-ga="[["Embedded Url","External link","https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-say-no-to-anyone-even-a-good-friend",{"metric25":1}]] href=" https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-say-no-to-anyone-even-a-good-friend "rel =" noopener noreferrer" target=" _ blank" > provide your answer promptly so you don’t spend hours and hours stressing over the reaction you’re going to get.

Explain why– briefly

You do not strictly owe anybody a response for why you don’t feel comfortable doing something, but if you are saying no to somebody you care about, it’s< a data-ga="[["Embedded Url","External link","https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-say-no-to-anyone-even-a-good-friend",{"metric25":1}]] href=" https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-say-no-to-anyone-even-a-good-friend" rel=" noopener noreferrer" target=" _ blank" > great to offer a quick reason. “I don’t feel comfy doing this,” “I’m concerned there are still a lot of cases,” “I’m anxious because I’m high risk,” or “I’m concerned due to the fact that I deal with a high danger individual,” are all good factors and must be ones your friends and family will appreciate.

Propose an alternative

Possibilities are, your friends and family are proposing these parties since the past few months have actually been hard and they miss you. Isolation is no joke, particularly for people who live alone or who are having a hard time emotionally. All of us miss out on remaining in the same room with the people we care about. It’s human to wish to hug individuals again.

If that is the case, then proposing an alternative is an excellent concept. For example, you could meet at a park, each bringing your own food and chairs, for a < a data-ga="[["Embedded Url","Internal link","https://vitals.lifehacker.com/how-safe-is-it-to-socialize-outdoors-1843339830",{"metric25":1}]] href=" https://vitals.lifehacker.com/how-safe-is-it-to-socialize-outdoors-1843339830” > physical distancing meet up Or you might do a< a data-ga="[["Embedded Url","Internal link","https://offspring.lifehacker.com/how-to-share-a-meal-when-youre-physically-distancing-1843394813",{"metric25":1}]] href=" https://offspring.lifehacker.com/how-to-share-a-meal-when-youre-physically-distancing-1843394813” > physical distancing meal share: you each can prepare a dish, safely drop it off at one another’s houses and consume together over Zoom. You could discover another< a data-ga="[["Embedded Url","Internal link","https://lifehacker.com/tell-us-how-youre-celebrating-special-occasions-right-n-1843108483",{"metric25":1}]] href= "https://lifehacker.com/tell-us-how-youre-celebrating-special-occasions-right-n-1843108483" > innovative method to celebrate a birthday or honor a household reunion.

Although this might not be the same as an in-person gathering, it’s still a method to reveal that you care and that you want to stay linked, even in the toughest of times.

No implies no

You require to make it clear that< a data-ga="[["Embedded Url","External link","https://www.bustle.com/p/how-to-say-no-to-your-friends-because-its-not-always-easy-to-share-your-needs-15643915",{"metric25":1}]] href=" https://www.bustle.com/p/how-to-say-no-to-your-friends-because-its-not-always-easy-to-share-your-needs-15643915" rel=" noopener noreferrer "target=" _ blank" > no means no If, even after a discussion about your factors for not participating in an event, you are still being forced, it’s alright to just state no again and end the conversation there. Ideally, your loved ones will appreciate your choice, even if they do not see agree with you. If things gets warmed, it might be a great idea to < a data-ga ="[["Embedded Url","External link","https://www.huffpost.com/entry/7-tips-for-saying-no-to-a_b_828759",{"metric25":1}]] href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/7-tips-for-saying-no-to-a_b_ 828759" rel="noopener noreferrer" target =" _ blank" > review the conversation later on, when everyone is less emotional, in order to have a discuss what limitations and limits in that relationship need to look like.

Ultimately, in the months ahead, you require to trust your own instincts and learn to say no in the event something you’re asked to do does not feel safe. Ideally, with a little practice, and the best technique, it will get easier with time.

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How to Send Out Audio and Video Messages to the People You’re Missing out on

How to Send Out Audio and Video Messages to the People You’re Missing out on

Illustration for article titled How to Send Audio and Video Messages to the People Youre Missing

Photo: Marco Polo

Meeting up with family and friends is hard (if not impossible) right now, which is why we’re all exploring < a data-ga="[["Embedded Url","Internal link","https://gizmodo.com/zooms-adding-end-to-end-encryption-for-real-this-time-1843333208",{"metric25":1}]] href=" https://gizmodo.com/zooms-adding-end-to-end-encryption-for-real-this-time-1843333208" > with various ways to< a data-ga="[["Embedded Url","Internal link","https://gizmodo.com/everything-you-need-to-start-your-own-podcast-on-the-ch-1843225338",{"metric25":1}]] href=" https://gizmodo.com/everything-you-need-to-start-your-own-podcast-on-the-ch-1843225338" > correspond Not every form of communication needs to be a live video chat, though– there are tons of alternatives that allow you to leave audio and video messages for family and friends at any time.

If you do not have the time or the persistence or the internet speed for a Zoom or FaceTime, think of leaving video( or audio )messages rather. You’re probably utilizing a few of these apps already, and you can use them in various ways to leave notes for those you enjoy. Who understands? You simply might brighten someone’s day.


Marco Polo (< a data-ga="[["Embedded Url","External link","https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.happybits.marcopolo",{"metric25":1}]] href=" https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.happybits.marcopolo" rel=" noopener noreferrer" target=" _ blank" > Android,< a data-ga="[["Embedded Url","External link","https://apps.apple.com/us/app/marco-polo-stay-in-touch/id912561374",{"metric25":1}]] href=" https://apps.apple.com/us/app/marco-polo-stay-in-touch/id912561374" rel=" noopener noreferrer" target=" _ blank" > iOS)

Marco Polo goes all in on the idea of asynchronous video chat, prioritizing prerecorded messages that you can then respond to as rapidly or as gradually as you like. It resembles exchanging text messages, but you’re sending out video back and forth rather.

Marco Polo support system of up to 200 people, if you wish to keep a friend or family group together in the app. Video chats are all kept together, bought chronologically, along the bottom of a group or individual conversation window.

Just dive into any discussion and hit Start to begin taping, then tap Stop when you’re done. It gets sent almost immediately, however you can long continue a video thumbnail to forward it to somebody else or another group, or to delete it from the chat record.

Marco Polo has filters for your video and your voice.

Marco Polo has filters for your video and your voice.
Screenshot: Gizmodo

You do get a couple of filters and enjoyable results to experiment with, though Marco Polo does not go as sticker label and filter insane as a few of the other apps we’re covering here. You can likewise load up pictures and videos already saved on your phone if you do not wish to tape live.


Snapchat (< a data-ga="[["Embedded Url","External link","https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.snapchat.android",{"metric25":1}]] href=" https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.snapchat.android" rel=" noopener noreferrer" target=" _ blank" > Android,< a data-ga="[["Embedded Url","External link","https://apps.apple.com/us/app/snapchat/id447188370",{"metric25":1}]] href=" https://apps.apple.com/us/app/snapchat/id447188370" rel=" noopener noreferrer" target=" _ blank" > iOS)

Snapchat is possibly best known for disappearing pictures and Stories( though Instagram has actually because stolen its spotlight). The app lets you send out video messages, too. Video that you send to contacts will disappear after they have actually been viewed, so it’s ideal if you don’t want to leave any trace of your message.

You can send out video messages to a particular person from the Chat screen (swipe right from the cam view). Tap on the contact name (use the search box if you need to), then the Cam button (lower left), then record your video by holding down the Shutter button.

Tap and hold the microphone button to send audio in Snapchat.

Tap and hold the microphone button to send out audio in Snapchat.
Screenshot: Gizmodo

As usual with Snapchat, you can include text and annotations and stickers required. The recipient can view and replay it once, but after that it’s gone forever (you can’t conserve videos like you can text). To send a video to a group, just include multiple contacts prior to taping.

Audio operates in a similar way, but you need to dive into a chat with a specific or with a group first. At the bottom you’ll see a Microphone button: Tap and hold this to tape-record an audio message, which will automatically erase itself (like the videos) once it’s been played.


Instagram (< a data-ga="[["Embedded Url","External link","https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instagram.android",{"metric25":1}]] href=" https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instagram.android" rel=" noopener noreferrer" target=" _ blank" > Android,< a data-ga="[["Embedded Url","External link","https://apps.apple.com/us/app/instagram/id389801252",{"metric25":1}]] href=" https://apps.apple.com/us/app/instagram/id389801252" rel=" noopener noreferrer" target=" _ blank" > iOS)

Instagram provides you a variety of video options, however if you wish to send out a particular video to a particular individual, then you require to dive into your DMs. Tap the paper airplane Send button up in the leading right to begin.

Pick a contact from the list or utilize the Compose button( the pen in a box, top right) to search for one. When you have actually done that, you’ll see your current exchanges on screen. Tap the Video Camera icon( lower left), which will take you to the Instagram Stories capture screen.

Instagram lets you choose whether video messages get deleted or stick around permanently.

Instagram lets you select whether video messages get erased or remain completely.
Screenshot: Gizmodo

In the Typical mode, press and hold the Shutter button to record a video, and when you’re done you can add stickers and text if required. Unlike with Snapchat, you also get to choose whether the video will disappear after seeing or remain in the chat discussion.

At the bottom of every discussion is a Microphone button: Tap on this to record a brief little bit of audio, which always remains permanently in the chat. As on Snapchat, you can send these videos and audio clips to group chats in addition to people.


WhatsApp (< a data-ga="[["Embedded Url","External link","https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.whatsapp",{"metric25":1}]] href=" https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.whatsapp" rel=" noopener noreferrer" target=" _ blank" > Android,< a data-ga="[["Embedded Url","External link","https://apps.apple.com/us/app/whatsapp-messenger/id310633997",{"metric25":1}]] href=" https://apps.apple.com/us/app/whatsapp-messenger/id310633997" rel=" noopener noreferrer" target=" _ blank" > iOS)

WhatsApp can deal with almost every type of conversation– you can make live video and audio calls through the app, however if live chatting isn’t possible, then it’s simple enough to leave recorded video messages and audio clips in the app.

Open the contact conversation or the group chat that you wish to send your message to. To shoot a video, tap the Camera icon down in the lower-right hand corner, then press and hold the Shutter button to tape-record a clip. Tap Send when you more than happy with it.

WhatsApp comes with built-in video editing tools.

WhatsApp comes with built-in video modifying tools.
Screenshot: Gizmodo

As you’ll observe, WhatsApp uses a tiny video-editing studio right after you have actually ended up recording. You can trim the edges of your video to shorten it, you can drop on sticker labels, text and scribbles, and you can even transform the entire thing into a GIF if you desire.

To send out an audio clip, tap the Microphone just to the right of the Electronic Camera button at the bottom of discussion threads. Press and hold to tape, and slide up to ‘lock’ the recording (which implies you can continue recording without holding down the button).


Facebook Messenger (< a data-ga="[["Embedded Url","External link","https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.facebook.orca",{"metric25":1}]] href=" https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.facebook.orca" rel=" noopener noreferrer" target=" _ blank" > Android,< a data-ga="[["Embedded Url","External link","https://apps.apple.com/us/app/messenger/id454638411",{"metric25":1}]] href=" https://apps.apple.com/us/app/messenger/id454638411" rel=" noopener noreferrer" target=" _ blank" > iOS)

Facebook wants Messenger to be your one-stop stop for all communications, so there are a myriad of tools readily available each time you open up a discussion. Video and audio clips can be posted to individuals or to group talks.

To shoot a video, tap the Camera button on the lower left inside a discussion (or in the leading right corner on the conversation list view). Use Normal, then press and hold the Shutter button to tape video, or switch to the Video mode for one-tap recording.

Facebook Messenger video calling is packed with filters, as you might expect.

Facebook Messenger video calling is loaded with filters, as you might anticipate.
Screenshot: Gizmodo

You’ll be presented with an overwhelming variety of filters, effects, and options while you’re recording the video and later on, so you can really dress your clip up if you want to. There’s likewise an edit feature so you can trim down the start and the end of the video.

The Microphone button is simply to the right of the Camera, all set to tape a spoken message for one or a number of individuals. Tap and hold the button to start the recording, then let go to send your message, or drag upwards to cancel and start again.


Google Duo (< a data-ga="[["Embedded Url","External link","https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.tachyon",{"metric25":1}]] href=" https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.tachyon" rel=" noopener noreferrer" target=" _ blank" > Android, < a data-ga="[["Embedded Url","External link","https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-duo/id1096918571",{"metric25":1}]] href=" https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-duo/id1096918571" rel=" noopener noreferrer" target=" _ blank" > iOS)

Among the reasons you might pick Duo over any other video-calling app is its simplicity, and recording messages for other people to view at their leisure is simply as easy. To get going, you can just swipe below the screen that appears when you open the app.

Tap the Record button to begin taping a Video, or swipe to the delegated reach Voice, and after that tap the exact same Record button if you ‘d rather conceal yourself from view and simply leave an audio message. Tap the Record button a second time to end your video or audio clip.

Duo lets you leave a message if you don’t want to make a call.

Duo lets you leave a message if you do not wish to telephone.
Screenshot: Gizmodo

You’ll right away see an alternative to Re-record your message if something’s gone terribly wrong, or you can send it by tapping Next With video, you have the choice to include some sticker labels and doodles on top of the video prior to sending it.

You can get at the very same options by first selecting a contact from the list in Duo, and then tapping Message Duo definitely does not have as lots of options as some of the other apps here, however its ease of use counts in its favor– if your loved ones use it, obviously.


iMessage (iOS)

You can’t utilize FaceTime to send a prerecorded message to a friend or family member– it’s in person time just– however you can use iMessage through the Messages app on your iPhone rather, as long as the person you’re sending a video to is likewise an iPhone user.

Open up a discussion (or tap the Compose button at the top of the list to search for someone), then tap the Camera button (lower left). The basic iPhone cam user interface appears, and you can tap Video to start tape-recording a message to contribute to the chat thread.

iMessage comes with plenty of video filters to try out.

iMessage features lots of video filters to try out.
Screenshot: Gizmodo

Apple uses more impacts and modify options than you might expect: You can drop in Animojis and Memojis, trim the start and completion of your video, crop the frames, change the color balance, apply unique effects, add text overlays, and more before sending it.

To send out audio, tap the Acoustic wave button down in the lower best corner of the discussion. You need to tap and hang on this to make a recording. Swipe up while still holding to send it immediately, or stop holding to sneak peek the audio prior to sending.

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This may be the best VPN for your family

This may be the best VPN for your family

All products included here are separately selected by our editors and writers.If you purchase something through links on our site, Mashable might make an affiliate commission.

A two-year subscription to Surfshark is on sale for $2.49 per month.
A two-year membership to Surfshark is on sale for $2.49 each month.

Image: Pexels.

By Joseph Green Mashable Shopping2020-05-2109: 00: 00 UTC

TL; DR: A two-year subscription to Surfshark is on sale for $2.49 monthly as of May 21, conserving you 81%on list price.


The issue with online security is that you have absolutely tons of alternatives to think about, and frankly, it’s a bit much.

How are you expected to understand which service is the best for you when there are a lot of strategies that provide everything you require? You might spend hours doing comprehensive research study on every alternative, or you might check out Surfshark

This VPN is perhaps the best service for families with lots of devices, because it doesn’t restrict your number of connections.

A two-year membership to Surfshark is now on sale for $ 2.49 monthly This plan is down by 81%on list price, and comes with a 30- day money-back warranty.

Protect your entire household with Surfshark.

This might be the best VPN for your family

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Where to purchase recyclable face masks for the whole household

Where to purchase recyclable face masks for the whole household

All items included here are separately selected by our editors and writers.If you purchase something through links on our website, Mashable might earn an affiliate commission.

Etsy is still stocking thousands of handmade face masks.
Etsy is still stocking countless handmade face masks.

Image: pexels.

By Joseph Green Mashable Shopping2020-05-1811: 45: 17 UTC

TL; DR: Etsy is still stocking thousands of handmade deal with masks, with alternatives offered for under ₤ 1.


We’re not stating Etsy is the best location to purchase multiple-use face masks, but it’s certainly somewhere to think about if you’re aiming to stockpile on materials for the entire household.

Etsy has literally thousands of listings for handcrafted face masks in every pattern and style. There truly are choices for everyone in your family, with Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars develops on offer. It deserves taking a while to effectively browse all your choices before buying, but Etsy may be the best website when it concerns variety and option.

The masks offered on Etsy are basically face coverings (not medical grade masks), which implies they play a part in slowing the spread of coronavirus without impacting necessary materials to the frontline (per official UK government guidance). If you are contaminated however do not yet have symptoms, for circumstances, a face covering may help to stop you contaminating others.

Discover something for everyone on Etsy

Where to buy reusable face masks for the whole family

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Household discovers nearly $1 million in roadway

Household discovers nearly $1 million in roadway

Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Discover what’s happening on the planet as it unfolds.
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Safe family reunions under lockdown

Safe family reunions under lockdown

A care home in the Netherlands has found an innovative way to bring people together during the lockdown.

The BBC’s Anna Holligan speaks to a family whose relative is a resident.

Video produced by Kate Vandy and Xavier Vanpevenaege.

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Microsoft’s Household Safety app is available in preview

Microsoft’s Household Safety app is available in preview

Microsoft is acting on its guarantee to assist you keep tabs on your kids’ digital routines as well as their location. The software application giant has launched its Family Safety app in preview for Android and iOS. You can filter the material available through Microsoft Edge or the Microsoft Shop, too.

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How to Try Microsoft’s New Family Safety App

How to Try Microsoft’s New Family Safety App

Illustration for article titled How to Try Microsofts New Family Safety App

Image: Shutterstock

Microsoft announced its new Family Safety app back in March, and you can now sign up for a limited preview of the app on iOS or Android. The idea behind the app is to give parents a glimpse at how their kids are spending time on their devices, so they can make adjustments as needed. The app also allows family members to more easily share their locations and stay connected.

If you want to take it out for a spin, you can download the app right now from Google Play or the App Store. You’ll also have to sign up for the limited preview on Microsoft’s website and wait for an approval. If you make it into the official preview, you’ll be able to do a ton of stuff:

Monitor your child’s smartphone activity

One cool thing about Family Safety is that it monitors activity across multiple devices. That means you’re not only able to see how your child is using their smartphone or tablet, but also see what they’ve been up to on their computer (or Xbox).

Illustration for article titled How to Try Microsofts New Family Safety App

Screenshot: Microsoft

As a parent, you’ll be able to see your child’s overall screen time as well as their top websites visited and what they’re searching for online. You can check their activity within the app or sign up for a weekly email summary of what your kid has been doing—likely Minecraft. It’s always Minecraft.

Set screen-time limits for your device-obsessed child

With the screen limits feature in Microsoft’s Family Safety app, you’re able to set limits on specific types of activities. For instance, you might limit the amount of time your child can spend on a gaming site they enjoy, but offer unlimited access to the portal they use for schoolwork. (They’ll love that one.)

Illustration for article titled How to Try Microsofts New Family Safety App

Screenshot: Microsoft

If your child runs out of the time you’ve allotted, they can place a request with you for more time. Whether you grant that request is up to you—and how well they mowed the lawn that day.

Control your kid’s access to apps and websites

The app also allows you to block apps, games, and sites your child will be able to access (the latter, if they’re using Microsoft’s Edge browser). You’ll also receive a notification if your child tries to download an app that’s more mature than what you’ve allowed them to access. Sorry, seven-year-old fans of Doom Eternal.

Illustration for article titled How to Try Microsofts New Family Safety App

Screenshot: Microsoft

Find out where your family is

Similar to other location-sharing apps, Family Safety also allows you to know where your family members are at any given time—or, at least, their devices.

Illustration for article titled How to Try Microsofts New Family Safety App

Screenshot: Microsoft

You can also save frequently visited places like work and school on the map so you can determine where someone is at a quick glance.

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Now’s the Time to Record Grandma’s Family Stories

Now’s the Time to Record Grandma’s Family Stories

Illustration for article titled Now’s the Time to Record Grandmas Family Stories

Photo: Shutterstock

If you’re fortunate enough to have an older person in your life—whether it’s a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or even a family friend—know that you basically have access to a living part of history. As a child, you may not have been interested in hearing their stories from the past, but as an adult, it’s much easier to see the value on learning from their experiences. Perhaps you’ve even talked about sitting down and recording them telling their stories or answering questions about what their life was like growing up. Well, we’re all stuck at home for the foreseeable future, so now is that time.

Schedule a time for a call

Usually, the biggest impediment to having these conversations with family members is finding the time. That’s why you should take advantage of everyone being at home right now. Of course you’re busy (and they may be too) but it’ll at least be easier to schedule a time to talk. That’s the first step: Give the person a call and set up a time for a conversation.

You might be better off using the term “conversation” as opposed to “interview” because some people may feel under pressure in an “interview,” or may not even agree to one in the first place. But regardless of terminology, definitely let the person know that you’ll be recording your conversation, and the point of doing so is to preserve and possibly transcribe their piece of family history for future generations. Make sure you both block off enough time for the call so you’re not rushed, but you don’t necessarily have to tell the person that they have two or three hours to talk because that will probably seem daunting.

Have some questions ready

Asking a broad question like “Could you tell me about your life?” doesn’t always the best approach, as you’re likely to get a relatively brief answer. Instead, come prepared with a set of specific questions to help get the ball rolling. Storycorps has a wonderful list of questions.

Additionally, if this person happens to be the unofficial Keeper of Family History, you’re going to want to ask them about your family history and lore as well. That way these stories won’t disappear when this person is no longer around. In both instances (asking about their own life and other family history), the person may start out saying that they don’t remember much, but usually once they start talking, one memory prompts another, and so on.

Photos can also be a great prompt

Most families have a drawer or shoebox (or even album) full of old unmarked family photos, where you think the guy in the hat is your Uncle Jerry, but you’re not 100 percent sure and would need to check. Now is your time to check. If you’re doing a video call with the person, have a few photos that you have questions about ready to go. Show them the photo and ask who the people are, where and when it was taken, and what else they can tell you about it. If they have the photos on their end, ask them to bring some to the video call to discuss. Even if it’s an old family portrait that has hung on the wall since the mid-1970s and you’ve walked by it a million times, there may be specific stories behind the picture that you’ve never heard before.

Be ready to record

Unless you’re currently quarantined with the person you’d like to interview, the conversation will take place over the phone or via video call. Now that everyone’s on Zoom, that’s a great option for this type of discussion, since you can record both video and audio. Skype has a similar recording feature. You can also record video through Google Meet, or audio through Google Voice. You could also put your phone on speaker and use a good old-fashioned recorder (or someone else’s phone) to capture the audio of the call. Or try Otter, which allows you to record through their website (again, you’d need to be on speaker) and provides a free AI transcription of the call. (It’s far from perfect, but a good start if you’re interested in transcribing.)

Be an active listener

This may seem obvious, but listening is important during these conversations. Put on your reporter’s hat (sure, it can be a fedora—it’s imaginary), and ask follow-up questions. You may want to take notes during the call so you know which topics you’d like to circle back to and revisit.

Also, pay attention to if/when the person starts to get tired. Some people are more than happy to talk about themselves for hours, but for others, this is an entirely new experience, and could be exhausting—especially reliving old memories they may not have thought about in years. If you notice the person is slowing down, ask them if they’d like to stop for the day and pick up the conversation at another time. If that’s the case, schedule the next call immediately so it’s on the books. Make a note at where you’ve left off in the conversation. You may also want to ask the person to make a note of any interesting stories or tidbits they think of after the call is over that they might want to discuss next time. Finally, make sure to thank them for their time—they really are giving you a gift.

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A Household Mourns The Partner And Father Who Died Alone, 3,000 Miles Away

A Household Mourns The Partner And Father Who Died Alone, 3,000 Miles Away

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