'Being' with research participants

The global Covid-19 pandemic has severely hit the lives of people Nepal. country witnessed two phases lockdown over 10 months from March 2020 until August 2021. I completed my PhD data collection in Nepal through February to April 2021, when pandemic’s risk was naturally lowered. My research explores local value systems communities involved school governance Lalitpur, Accordingly, participants included schools’ stakeholders: parents, teachers, locals, Education Officers and elected representatives. situation requires social distancing mask wearing while talking with others. In experience these health protocols disrupted aims develop rapport build close, trusting relationships participants. this article, reflect on ways sought trust before conducting interviews amid regulations. narrate experiences as a Nepalese citizen researcher uncertain times. This might be useful researchers establishing relationship participants, applying face unfavourable situations such pandemic.