It’s been a while, and very little has changed, eh?
I originally wrote this post back in May. Surely things would be different approaching August, right?
Not so much.
Life is going. Our state has been “open” essentially since Memorial Day, but apart from some socially distant trips to the beach nearby, we have been staying at home as much as possible.
We are adjusting to our “new normal” but there’s still much that I miss, especially since we’re in the heat of summer and my child’s first experience with “real school” will be at minimum 9 weeks of virtual learning.
Stay safe and well, everyone. And let me know some of the things you’re missing lately.
Things I Miss Because of Social Distancing…
Recognizing the “regulars” as they patronize their favorite places
Warm handshakes
Crowding around a cellphone to watch a funny or heartwarming video
Potlucks
Lingering at the table with friends, even after the bill’s been paid
Group fitness
Taking my son to the park
Full lunch tables
Hugging people whom you’ve just met (because it’s the Southern thing to do)
Self-serve ice cream at Jason’s Deli
Browsing at book stores
Art Walk
Crowded festivals
Food samples at the grocery store
Surprise visits
The nail salon (even though I go *maybe* 4 times a year)
Street musicians playing downtown
Striking up conversations in long checkout lines
My contact lenses
Watching my son hug his friends at school
Girls’ Night Out
Grocery shopping at leisure (and not feeling guilty when I touch more than I take)
Regularly scheduled massages
Gentlemen going out of their way to hold the door open for me (because all the doors are propped open already at work)
Browsing the library (at least we have curbside pickup now!)
Petting all the dogs
Trying on clothes in fitting rooms (even if the outcome is usually distressing)
Date nights
Watching gymnastics class
Intimate conversations in coffee shops
Face to face therapy sessions
Full parking lots
Street parties
Kisses on the cheek
Things I miss because of #socialdistancing Share on X
Better days are coming. It just requires patience, common sense, following the medical/scientific guidelines, ignoring the political hype and disinformation and thinking about our families, loved ones, friends and neighbors and less about ourselves and the mindset that I can do anything I want because I am invincible. Maybe you are, but maybe the rest of us aren’t. .
I definitely believe better days are coming – we just need to make a few sacrifices and take care of ourselves and others for the time being. Take care.
I really appreciate this post. What an unprecedented time we are in right now. Sounds so corny, but it helps me to remember that we are indeed all in this thing together. I miss so many things that I took for granted before. We will come out of this stronger and with a newfound appreciation for everything.
Thank you.
Yes! We will come out of this stronger and hopefully more humble and compassionate…I have to believe that.