I see people organizing Zoom happy hours, gift card exchanges via email, and adorable drive-by baby showers, but I can’t even manage to reply to a text promptly. I’ve become the ultimate pandemic friend disaster. I’ve cloistered myself in my cozy home and lost touch with the outside world. The ironic part? I know I should care, but I just don’t. Sorry, pals.
Please don’t take it personally. It’s not you; it’s me. We’re not ending our friendship forever; we’re just taking a break while I focus on myself. And right now, that means lounging in bed binge-watching “Firefly Lane” while my kids argue over the PS5 controllers. I have zero interest in putting on makeup just to struggle with someone’s mic issues while another child screams in the background. We all have our challenges. Let’s just deal with them without a camera in our faces. I remember what you look like. Just text me.
If you’re tying the knot or welcoming a baby, or there’s a birthday coming up, I’m more than happy to send a gift. But I really don’t want to participate in a parade where I drop off a present while you wave from a distance, both of us secretly wishing we weren’t there. My daughter has a birthday soon, and while there will be a drive-by, it’s just for family. I’m not pressuring anyone else into it. This whole thing is becoming excessive.
There’s so much pressure to overdo it during the pandemic that I fear when things return to normal, the expectations will be even higher. We’ll see giant yard signs and lengthy birthday parades, and kids won’t know how to appreciate a simple cake and some gifts.
You might think I’m being selfish. I should be more attentive to my friends. I shouldn’t come across as detached. I should consider other people’s feelings, not just my own. Maybe that’s valid. Maybe I am being unfair. But right now, I’m focused on myself and my family, and that’s it.
Honestly, the reason we’re not meeting face-to-face is that I’m just not comfortable. My bubble remains small, and I’m not ready to expand it just yet. I’m not trying to scare anyone; I’m just prioritizing safety. I have a family to care for, and that takes precedence over a semi-safe playdate. I’m just not there yet, folks.
I want my kids to grasp the immense grief and loss our world is experiencing. Sure, their lives have been disrupted, but in comparison to many, they’re quite fortunate. Our family, including extended relatives, has been largely unscathed by the virus, and that’s due to our cautious approach. That means staying home most of the time. They aren’t visiting friends or attending parties. Outside of a few masked and distanced activities, they’re connecting via texting and playing Minecraft online. And you know what? That’s enough.
So, what am I doing? I’m cherishing my kids like never before. We’re spending quality time together, and it’s wonderful. My partner is home now, and we share meals together. He drives the kids to and from school. We play games at night and share laughter. We’re living simply, and it’s incredible. I hate that it took such a difficult time to achieve this, but I’m not sorry for it. And at this moment, if you don’t live with me, you’re not at the top of my priority list. Love me or hate me, that’s the reality.
I truly care about my friends. I want to see photos of their kids. I want to join in celebrating birthdays and new arrivals. I want to be as loving and supportive as I always have been, but right now, that’s mainly through social media and texts. You won’t get much more from me.
As life gradually returns to normal, with more people vaccinated and case numbers declining, I’ll be more inclined to venture out. I look forward to hugging you, sharing laughter, and enjoying a lovely dinner together. Until then, remember that I love you and I’m just a text away. It may take me some time to respond because I’m busy playing with my kids.
For more on this topic, check out this blog post. If you’re looking for expert information, visit this authority site or this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
Probable Search Queries:
- self insemination techniques
- how to use a home insemination kit
- benefits of intracervical insemination
- preparing for home insemination
- success rates of home insemination
In summary, I’m embracing this unique period with my family, stepping back from social obligations, and cherishing the simplicity of our time together. While I care for my friends, my focus is on my family right now, and that’s a choice I make without regret.