“I think that the pandemic has had a huge impact on society in many ways,” Dr. David Greenfield, PhD, former assistant clinical professor of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine and advisor to Circle, tells Parade. “The greatest complaint that I saw from patients was the inability to connect with friends and loved ones, even over simple things, like having a cup of coffee, or going for a walk, or sharing a meal. These simple things are quite meaningful and until you lose them, you don’t always realize how important they are.” While we’re quite literally isolating as a society, it’s no wonder so many people—particularly young people—have struggled with feeling lonely. “I think that the most critical aspect of peoples’ experience during the pandemic was their social isolation,” Dr. Greenfield explains. “For most of us, in our lifetimes, we never had the experience of that type of social isolation and the inability to be with the people that we love and are connected to. I think those are profound changes in terms of our experience in the world and there are deep psychological impacts from not feeling the same support and social connections that we normally would experience.” With self-isolation resulting in a more widespread feeling of loneliness, it’s no wonder that friendship lamps have become so popular over the past year. They’re a thoughtful reminder that you’re not alone.
What is a friendship lamp?
A friendship lamp is a (usually) small table lamp that’s WiFi connected. Through the internet, one friendship lamp connects to another—no matter how many miles away the other friendship lamp is. These lamps are sold as a set, the same way best friends necklaces or bracelets work: a friend gets one half and the other friend gets the other half of the set. Only with friendship lamps, there’s an added interactive element. When one friend touches her lamp, the other friend’s lamp lights up. It’s the ultimate, “Hey, I’m thinking of you” that keeps people feeling connected, loved, and supported.
How does a friendship lamp work?
Friendships work thanks to the WiFi! When one person touches their friendship lamp, their lamp glows, but so does their bestie’s lamp. While it doesn’t take the place, of physical touch or a phone call, friendship lamps can help foster social connections despite any long distance. According to Dr. Greenfield, friendship and other important support systems really can impact our mental health in a positive way, which is why isolation felt so grueling at times. “Friendships and support systems are probably the most significant factor in mitigating the risk of issues with our mental health,” Dr. Greenfield says. “The ability to lean on other people, to have connections, and people to count on in your life is extremely important to our mental health. We live longer and healthier if we have active social support and connection and we certainly have fewer incidents of mental illness and mental health issues when we’re involved in relationships, community, and social support systems.”
Best friendship lamps
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1. Love Lamps Set of Friendship Lamps, $176 at Etsy
With the soft-glowing Love Lamp, any number of friendship lamps can be connected. (Why stop at two when you connect with all of your BFFs?!). Check out the Love Lamps Set of Friendship Lamps here.
2. Friendship Touch Lamps, $145.60 at Etsy
This handmade set of wooden friendship lamps features unique laser-cutting detailing and can connect to other friendship lamps no matter where they are in the world. Check out Friendship Touch Lamps here.
3. Wood Long Distance Friendship Lamp, $99 at Uncommon Goods
For just under $100, you can grab this set of unique friendship lamps at Uncommon Goods. We’re not sure if we love this set so much simply because it reminds us of the 90s board game Mousetrap or if it’s because it’s so different from the other lanterns out there. Check out the Wood Long Distance Friendship Lamp here.
4. Long Distance Friendship Lamp, $85 at Uncommon Goods
One of the classic bestselling friendship lamps, this is undoubtedly the least expensive set on our list of favorites. Check out the Long Distance Friendship Lamp here.
5. The LoveLight, $110 at Etsy
If the standard friendship lamp’s glow is not enough, The LoveLight features a glowing heart that really drives that love home. Check out the LoveLight here.
6. Brookstone Friendship Lamp, $89.95 at Urban Outfitters
7. NBG Home Friendship Lamp, $99.97 at Walmart
Simply touch the NBG Home Friendship Lamp once to change its hue. Check out the NBG Home Friendship Lamp here.
10. Long Distance Friendship Frame, $99 at Uncommon Goods
Love a friendship lamp in theory but looking for something a little more personal? This one takes the best part of a picture frame and a friendship lamp and combines them! And don’t worry—it may be a frame, but it works just the same as a friendship lamp. Just touch it to light it up! Check out the Long Distance Friendship Frame here. Next up, the cutest friendship quotes for National Best Friend Day.
Sources
Dr. David Greenfield, Ph.D., former assistant clinical professor of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine and advisor to Circle
