There’s no denying that social distancing has transformed the dynamics of my friendships. It’s a contentious topic, revealing the weaknesses in some of my relationships that I hadn’t noticed before.
As I await the arrival of my baby boy this July, I am considered at risk, along with several friends and family members. For them, the choice to practice social distancing and keep my family isolated was straightforward. I choose to stay home for the people I love because I can’t bear the thought of unintentionally putting anyone I care about in harm’s way.
While the decision was clear-cut, the reality of isolation is anything but. The days can feel endless, filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Yet, I find strength in my commitment to protect those I care about, only to realize that not everyone feels the same way.
I don’t have a large circle of friends, so I naturally assumed that those I hold dear would share my perspective. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. Friendships have split into two camps: those who isolate and those who do not.
The unexpected part of this separation is that I now find myself questioning the friendships with those who ignore social distancing guidelines. This isn’t about casting judgment; rather, it’s about understanding how a friend could put others at risk during such a critical time. It seems we may be more different than I ever acknowledged, a troubling revelation.
Some friends look at me as if I’m simply falling for media sensationalism. I find their confidence baffling. A few seem to possess an unrealistic belief in their ability to sidestep the virus. If you continue to go out, there’s no magic shield to protect you from exposure. Ironically, these are the same individuals who insist on socializing with those of us who are taking precautions. Stay back, carefree ones.
Others have confided that they struggle with being cooped up at home with children, a topic rarely broached prior to this crisis. Parenting is challenging under normal circumstances, but the added pressure of isolation intensifies the struggle. To these friends, I genuinely hope they find their rhythm and experience some measure of joy amidst the chaos.
Then there are those who assert their right to go out, dismissing the risks involved as exercising their freedom. This isn’t the intent our forefathers had in mind with the Bill of Rights (seriously, have you heard of the draft?). Their recklessness is disheartening, and I find myself unwilling to spend time with those I once considered friends.
I also notice a troubling sense of exceptionalism among some of my peers, a trait I thought was more common among younger generations. One can only hope that future generations will learn from this pandemic and embrace the idea of being global citizens who engage with the world responsibly.
I don’t believe that my friends who are flouting social distancing are malicious individuals. They may simply struggle to understand the delayed repercussions of their actions. Much like the concept of delayed gratification, the consequences of their behavior may not be immediately apparent. They might not realize the weight of their choices until it’s too late. Can you imagine being responsible for an infection that leads to someone’s grandmother or immunocompromised child suffering?
We are all in this together, and it is only through collective action that we can overcome these challenges. Please consider the impact of your choices on others; don’t be the reason someone else suffers. Because make no mistake, the consequences are real.
Despite the current divide, I sincerely hope that when we emerge from this crisis, we can reunite. We should rejoice in honoring the brave healthcare workers, first responders, grocery store employees, and countless others who are fighting against our common enemy. Our task right now may seem mundane—just staying home—but one day, we can look back on this time as one where we united as a community, flattened the curve, and saved lives.
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Summary
The article expresses frustration with friends who disregard social distancing during a pandemic, especially as the author prepares for the arrival of a baby. It discusses the strain on friendships, the unexpected differences in attitudes towards safety, and the hope for unity post-crisis.