A Life In Review

5 Stars- Introverts have been preparing for this for our whole lives. If we could social distance for the rest of time, my introverted heart would be so full. I highly recommend social distancing, not just to stop the spread of germs, but also to stop the spread of hugs.

Honestly, 2020 is a year that Georgia (my baby) will be learning about in a history class years from now. So many big things are happening in our world right now. I am hopeful that positive, permanent changes will be made going forward.

One change in particular (that I hope continues) is social distancing. A lot of areas have reopened with rules. In the area I’m staying (VA), masks are required in all public places. Though annoying, it’s seriously just common courtesy at this point. The other major “rule” is to keep 6 feet away from anyone not in your immediate household.

As a self proclaimed introvert, here are the reason I’m ALL FOR social distancing:

Gone are the days where you were booty bumped (with a cart) in the shopping line. Gone are the days where people could tap you on the shoulder to say excuse me. Gone are the days where it’s acceptable for strangers to hug you while saying hello. The last thing that needs to go, is other people touching your children, and then we will have reached a wonderful social distanced life.

I cannot be the only one who enjoys this.

A few weeks ago, we went to a zoo for the first time since the pandemic occurred. Before, zoos, aquariums, museums (okay maybe not museums), amusement parks etc. were overcrowded. You’d go to look at something and there would be people climbing under you and people climbing over you. It just wasn’t comfortable for me. Now, we essentially have our own private tour. The three of us (my husband, daughter and I) walked around with plenty of space, taking our time to enjoy what was in front of us. There was no one pushing us to move, or blocking our view. This continued the next few times I’ve gone, even on busy days!

In all seriousness, use this time to take a step back (both literally and figuratively) and people watch. Watch those in your life and LEARN SOCIAL CUES. Going forward, if you have a friend that is truly uncomfortable with physical touch, GIVE THEM SPACE. If you have a friend who LOVES physical touch (as soon as it’s acceptable), GIVE THEM A HUGE HUG. This time is so difficult for so many different reasons, but it can be a time for learning and growth.

If you choose to go out, stay 6 feet away from those around you. PUT A DANG MASK ON (I don’t care if you think it’s infringing on your “freedom”, wearing a mask isn’t about YOU). Finally, CHECK ON YOUR PEOPLE. It is so easy to get lost in our own secluded world right now, but we can’t forget our people (I’ll be the first to admit, I’m really bad at checking in on people).

STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY!