Social distancing has undeniably altered my friendships. It’s a polarizing topic that has revealed the fragility of some of my connections. As I prepare to welcome my baby boy in July, I’ve been classified as at risk, alongside some friends and family members who share similar vulnerabilities. For those I hold dear, the choice to practice social distancing and keep my family isolated was a straightforward one. I choose to stay home for their sake, unable to bear the thought of inadvertently harming anyone I care about.
However, the reality of isolation is far from simple. Each day can feel overwhelming, filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Yet, I remind myself of the reason behind my decisions, and the fact that I am not alone in this struggle gives me strength. With a small circle of friends, I assumed they would mirror my commitment to safety. Unfortunately, I was mistaken. Friendships seem to have split into two camps: those who quarantine and those who don’t.
The unexpected aspect of this isolation is that it has led me to reevaluate my relationships with those who dismiss social distancing. This isn’t born from judgment; rather, it sparks a concern about how they can risk the well-being of others—a somber truth of our current reality. Perhaps I’ve come to realize we are more different than I once thought, another harsh reality brought on by the pandemic.
Some friends view me as merely succumbing to media hysteria, while I find myself equally puzzled by their stance. A few of them exude an overinflated confidence in their ability to dodge the virus. I can’t help but question where this attitude originates—maybe from their own version of the hand-washing Olympics? Yet, they persist in socializing with those of us who are isolating. Socialize elsewhere, please.
Then there are friends who confide that they simply cannot stay home with their children. This topic was seldom broached before; parenting choices are typically private matters. Yet now, our choices have the power to affect many lives. Motherhood is challenging on a regular day, but the added strain of isolation makes it even tougher. I genuinely hope these friends find their rhythm and discover peace and joy with their families during this trying time.
Others argue that going out is their right, disregarding the risks as they “exercise their freedom” to maintain their usual routines. This is not what our forefathers envisioned in our bill of rights (seriously, have you heard of the draft?). Beyond the recklessness of this mindset, it seems that the only way to curb this behavior is through legal mandates or a personal experience with the virus. I no longer wish to associate with these individuals whom I once called friends.
Yet, I also encounter friends who seem enamored with their sense of exceptionalism—a trait I believed was more characteristic of younger generations. Perhaps, in hindsight, one of the lessons from this pandemic will encourage future generations to think of themselves as global citizens and act accordingly to address the world’s challenges.
I don’t believe that my friends who are dismissing social distancing are inherently bad people. Maybe they are simply not swayed by the delayed consequences of their actions. It’s akin to delaying gratification, but in this case, it can lead to tragic outcomes. Can you fathom being responsible for sparking an infection that leads to the death of someone’s grandmother or a child with a compromised immune system?
We are all in this together, and we can only overcome it together. When making decisions, consider the impact on others; don’t be the reason for someone else’s death, as those tragic losses are inevitable.
Despite the current divisions, I hold onto hope that when we emerge from this crisis, we can reunite. We can celebrate and honor the courageous frontline workers—nurses, doctors, first responders, grocery staff, and many others who fought against our common enemy. Our role may not be glamorous; it’s simply to stay home and exist. But one day, we will look back on this time as one where we came together, flattened the curve, and ultimately saved lives.
For more insights on navigating this journey, you might want to check out this blog post. And for those interested in home insemination, Cryobaby’s home intracervical insemination syringe kit is a great resource. Additionally, for valuable information on pregnancy and fertility, visit the CDC’s comprehensive page on infertility.
In summary, this pandemic has forced me to confront the reality of friendship, the importance of social distancing, and the responsibility we all share to protect each other. I yearn for a future where we can come together again, cherishing the lessons learned during this time of separation.
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