Can We Move Forward After COVID-19? I'm Not So Sure - intracervicalinseminationsyringe

At the conclusion of each “South Park” episode, Stan steps up and remarks, “We’ve learned something today.” As vaccines become available and I reflect on my social life before the pandemic, I find myself echoing Stan’s sentiment. A moment of accountability is approaching. What insights have we gained? The behaviors exhibited during the pandemic have exposed people’s true values and ethics. We witnessed them navigate one of America’s gravest crises. What truly mattered to them? How did they respond? And ultimately, can we find it within ourselves to forgive in a post-COVID-19 world?

Throughout much of the pandemic, I felt like the student who takes on all the responsibilities in a group project. We largely remained at home, adhered to mask-wearing, and practiced social distancing diligently. We chose to stay inside. When I refer to forgiveness after COVID-19, I’m not addressing economic necessities—many individuals must work and aren’t fortunate enough to do so from home.

Nor am I criticizing choices made by parents to ensure their children’s well-being during difficult times. I might not agree with those decisions, but I respect that you did what you felt was best for your family.

I’m referring to actions that genuinely call for forgiveness in a post-pandemic context.

Can We Forgive Those Who Lied?

What about the individuals who lied about their actions? You know who I mean. Can we pardon those who, fully aware that we would disapprove of their choices, chose to deceive us instead? The pandemic revealed who among us was willing to lie, especially when the stakes were high. Some felt entitled to make health decisions that put others at risk. In my case, they prioritized socializing over the health of my husband, who has asthma.

Post-COVID-19, should we simply ignore their dishonesty? After all, these individuals seemed trustworthy in everyday matters. They appeared reliable within the routine of life. But after the pandemic, that perception has been fundamentally altered.

What About Anti-Maskers?

Consider those who refused to wear masks. Such behavior epitomized selfishness during the pandemic. Their reasons fell into two categories: some rejected basic science, likely driven by political motivations, while others knew masks were effective yet chose comfort over public safety. They expressed, in essence, “I’d rather risk your family’s health than be slightly uncomfortable.” Post-COVID-19, how do we regard those individuals and their actions? Their choices revealed deep-seated selfishness.

Can We Forgive the Rule-Breakers?

You know the type—the ones who disregarded safety guidelines to dine indoors or visit crowded places. Perhaps you, like me, tried your hardest to follow the rules. All we had to do was stay home, yet many ignored the guidelines for trivial pleasures. How do we reconcile our feelings towards those who seemed unaffected by the pandemic’s challenges? Do we suppress our resentment, confront them, or pretend it never happened? Or do we remember the lyrics from The Talking Heads: “As things fell apart, nobody paid much attention”?

The Pain of Estrangements

One of the most difficult aspects to address is the estrangements that arose during COVID-19. They are real, and they hurt. Perhaps a family member disagreed with another’s pandemic response, leading to a complete breakdown of communication. A disagreement over pandemic handling should not have resulted in silence, yet it often did. In a post-COVID-19 world, can we return to normal? If estrangements occurred due to differing views on pandemic strategies, can we simply move past them?

If you expect to be welcomed back with open arms after abandoning friends or family over pandemic disputes, you’re mistaken. Estrangement during the pandemic often highlighted pre-existing strains in relationships. Rebuilding those connections will require time and effort.

When I shared my thoughts on post-COVID-19 forgiveness with my 11-year-old, he scoffed. “No, we shouldn’t forgive them,” he replied. “They showed us who they really are.” I find myself agreeing with him. Many individuals demonstrated that they prioritized their convenience over the health of others, lying and manipulating to get their way. They chose to believe in political figures over scientific fact, and when faced with challenges, they refused to make personal sacrifices for the common good.

I do not wish to associate with such people.

I can’t predict what a post-COVID-19 world will look like, but I know those who prioritized their desires over others will not be part of mine.

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In summary, as we transition to a post-COVID-19 reality, we must confront the actions of those around us and the potential need for forgiveness. Many have revealed their true character through their pandemic behavior, raising important questions about trust and relationships moving forward.