While juggling writing, aiding my son with remote schooling, and sorting laundry, I found myself scrolling through Facebook. A post in a mom group asked how often members were going on date nights with their partners. I quickly typed, “Not at all right now, because of the pandemic.”
The original poster was quick to dismiss anyone who mentioned the virus. She replied to me, “LOL! Chill, Karen.” Then she added, “You mean to tell me that your parents, friends, and family haven’t seen your kids since COVID?” First off, I don’t think she grasps the meaning of “Karen,” and yes, my family and I are adhering to CDC guidelines.
In my area, most restaurants don’t offer indoor dining, and even if they did, I wouldn’t feel comfortable. The thought of being mask-less around strangers while we all eat in a closed space is anxiety-inducing. How can I unwind and enjoy time with my spouse amidst a crowd of people I don’t know, all munching away too close for comfort?
Plus, finding a babysitter for our four kids is another hurdle. Who’s going to quarantine for two weeks and get tested just to watch my children for a few hours? I certainly won’t hire someone to come indoors during winter to hang out with my children while masked for hours on end. Absolutely not.
Another reason we stick to CDC guidelines is my chronic autoimmune condition. While my immune system isn’t compromised, getting sick poses serious complications for me. My blood sugar levels can spike, risking diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a severe condition that can lead to rapid health decline. The idea of heading to the ER during a pandemic is not appealing at all.
And let’s be real—why would I risk exposing myself and my family to a virus that could make us all sick? Date nights can easily happen at home. There are plenty of perks to staying in, like not having to change out of my sweats. I’ve never been a fan of movie theaters anyway; they’re overpriced, crowded, and I can’t pause the movie when I need a bathroom break. We can stream movies from our couch, devour as much popcorn as we want, and avoid spending money on a mediocre meal and babysitting services.
What I don’t understand is why someone so adamant about ignoring science gets upset over another person’s choice to follow safety guidelines. What are they so angry about? Until we all act responsibly regarding COVID-19, it will continue to disrupt our lives and dampen our spirits.
Typically, I avoid engaging with those looking for a fight. However, I broke my rule and remarked that calling a chronically ill person a “Karen” for following CDC guidelines is both ableist and rude. I also clarified that no, my kids haven’t been socializing with friends and family unless it’s outside, with distancing and masks.
I wasn’t alone in my perspective; several others chimed in, expressing that date nights were off the table due to the pandemic. This didn’t sit well with the original poster. As is often the case, there are always a few group members who post just to rally support for their views, not seeking genuine input.
I’ve reached a point where I can’t confront every individual who disregards CDC guidelines to stay home when possible, wear a mask, and maintain social distance. Despite the grim reality of over 400,000 American deaths and millions of infections, some still refuse to acknowledge the seriousness of the pandemic. It’s disheartening and infuriating to see people prioritize their “freedoms” over the lives of others.
Their denial affects me personally. As a vulnerable individual, encountering someone who won’t wear a mask or respects my space feels dismissive. Does my life matter less than theirs? It certainly feels that way.
Maybe it was futile to explain to “Date Night Debbie” why I’m not going out for a meal with my husband during these times. My frustration with individuals ignoring health guidelines reached its peak, and I felt compelled to express my thoughts honestly. It was too much for her. She’s made her mind up, as have many, that the virus isn’t a real threat. I can’t fathom how, after nearly a year of this, people still refuse to see the toll the pandemic has taken on society and their role in alleviating it. They are exhausting and burdening the rest of us. I wish I had some wisdom to share, but like many of you following guidelines, we are just over it.
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Summary:
The author shares her experience in a Facebook mom group where she faced backlash for mentioning COVID-19 while discussing date nights. She explains the reasons for following CDC guidelines, including personal health concerns and the challenges of finding childcare. The article reflects on the frustrations of encountering denial about the pandemic’s seriousness among peers and advocates for responsible behavior to protect vulnerable populations.
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