How do I respond to "Yeahh, nothing has changed"?

[Anonymous]

Was just checking up on a friend, not exactly sure how to respond to this message, i'll include context below:
ME - whatcha been doing with yourself as of recent then, anything new orr?
HIM - you already know the answer to that lmao
ME- maybe something would have changed, who knows, was worth the try lmfaoo
HIM- LOL yeah you have a point. But zero has changed, Zerooo
How can I follow this up so the conversation continues?

[AmandaYVR]

So guess he's going through something difficult and there's been no improvements. But if you want to have this person in your life, and support them, you could try changing the topic and just chatting with him about other things. Try to cheer him up a bit. You can talk about yourself a bit, but be careful on that. Sometimes it will be fine and be an okay distraction, but you also might end up looking self-absorbed (especially if you talk about positive things in your life, that he might compare his life to, and feel worse. Though that is partly on him, not you or your fault.)

Try distraction. Talk about current events, a new fun thing you've discovered, some interest you both have in common, or something funny to make him smile, even if only for a few minutes.

Be a friend, be there for him. Tell him also, "I"m sorry to hear that. Just know that if you ever want to talk, or vent, I am here for you."

[Asker]

From past convos, he isn't so much so upset but the fact that most of the world is in quarantine we're limited to doing so much and he's at home the majority of the time which I can relate to. I'm not exactly sure how to continue it, I could say something along the lines of "I don't blame you, nothings changed on my side either, etc etc." I also appreciate your feedback :)

[AmandaYVR]

Oh, it's just covid? Well then I think it's his kind of lame attitude and sucky personality, and poor communication skills that is really the issue here.

But you might also want to change your approach. You asked a question that is a bit on the negative side, and it can be answered with zero effort with a "no", which is a conversation killer.
Try and reframe how you talk with him.
If he was a more positive or interesting or thoughtful person, he would say something like, "No, not really, but I did just watch a great movie [or show or video game or discover an amazing thing to cook or I read something interesting, or saw something... etc etc]

He can sit there and be bored and lifeless and directionless, or he can recognize that this time is affecting everyone, and it's also an opportunity to learn something, develop a skill, and become a more interesting person. Pick up an instrument. Read a book. Sitting on screens all day in input/consumption mode is likely not going to change one's circumstances or mindset. And that'll be on him, not covid.

And you're welcome!

[iseekpinetrees]

Just talk about other things tell about you what you have been doing. Or other topics.

[1stranger]

My respond is 🤷‍♀️🤝💕😄🤭