2020 revealed people’s true natures. It was also a time when I, along with countless others, took a hard look at my life and the people in it. Managing remote work, homeschooling, and family safety amidst a global crisis left little room for negativity. This included distancing myself from toxic individuals.
During crises, a person’s true character often emerges. Many learned that being polite doesn’t equate to being principled. Some of those who seemed the friendliest turned out to be supporters of harmful ideologies, proving that appearances can be deceiving.
The disillusionment was profound. Parents of my children’s friends suddenly appeared as advocates for reckless policies. People who claimed to uphold morality supported leaders with questionable ethics, and the educated and successful revealed themselves as anti-maskers. It was heart-wrenching to see respected figures act hypocritically, and it was alarming to witness the blatant disregard for science by many.
I’ve always held onto the belief that most people are inherently good, but the past year has shifted my perspective, revealing that “most” is not as substantial as I once thought.
I generally approach others with trust, offering grace during challenging times. Yet, the events of the last year have been overwhelming. There comes a point when one realizes that a person is merely selfish. One lesson learned during this time is that I no longer have the energy to engage with self-centered individuals.
The past year has prompted me to reassess who I want in my life. While some relationships have strengthened, others have faded away. I’ve found common ground with old acquaintances and distanced myself from numerous people.
As we begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, the pandemic will eventually fade, but the damage to interpersonal connections might remain. What about those relationships that were strained due to differing values? Can we truly forget what we’ve seen?
Personally, I don’t know if I can overlook the revelations of the past year. It’s not just about differing opinions; it’s about fundamental values. I want to lead a fulfilling life, which means I have little space for those whose values clash with mine.
Sure, I’ll still be courteous during school drop-offs or at the grocery store. We’ll exchange pleasantries, like each other’s social media posts, and engage in light conversation. Over time, emotions may settle, and interactions may become less charged.
Still, the truth remains: we cannot unsee the events of the past year. People can indeed change, and I try not to completely dismiss anyone. I’ve made my share of mistakes and still hope that those I once viewed as kind-hearted may realign with those values. However, when someone has acted in ways that cause significant hurt, such as ignoring public health measures or supporting harmful agendas, it sets a high bar for redemption. I may hold onto a flicker of hope, but I’m not counting on it.
2020 was a year of unveiling true colors, and those revelations are indelible.
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