One of my favorite Facebook friends is a former student who I had in class several times during her time in our district. I love her because she is so upbeat most of the time. She makes the world a better place just by being in it.
The other day, she posted this:
The other day, she posted this:
I've been thinking about it a lot since she posted it. And, she is right!
Physically, my husband and I are distancing all the time. We are careful when we have to buy groceries. We make sure we get everything we need in one trip, we avoid busy times, we keep our distance in the aisles. Other than walking the dog, we don't go anywhere else.
But we haven't quit being social. In fact, in some ways, we're more social than ever. We keep in touch with family almost daily. And now, instead of just talking on the phone, we are video chatting with those we love (well, except my mom in the land of the internetless). We saw one son and his family last weekend. Had a glass of wine with the other. Tonight we are waiting to visit with my sister-in-law and her husband. We talk with all of these family members more than ever before!
When Chloe and I walk, we wave and shout hello to anyone we see out and about. We keep our physical distance, but we can still be social! It brightens our day and theirs too. I've met more neighbors in the last couple of weeks than ever before. And all it takes is a "Hi. How ya doin'?" and a conversation starts.
So I'm going to start using the phrase physical distancing from now on. Because I never quit being social.
We're picking up trash as we walk too. Might as well do something good for the world while we walk!
I know Stacey Shubitz had said something similar- she didn't like the term social distancing. I am so glad we can still find ways to connect with others even though there is physical distance.
ReplyDeleteSocial just makes it sound like you are the only person in the world. Physical distancing also is a better word choice about what we need to do!
DeleteSomeone mentioned this to me the other day, and I have switched to say "physical distancing"...it's really the truth, yes? I have made lovely connections 'socially' with neighbors, due to this pandemic - we just do it at six or more feet. Thanks for this!
ReplyDeleteI could never really quit being social--just need to find new ways to do it!
ReplyDeleteI love this Deb! I also find myself being more social than usual right now, which is rather funny given that technically I only see my family and the folks at the grocery store. But everyone seems to crave conversation and contact right now, and it's been lovely to get back in touch with friends I've lost track of and to get to know other friends better. I've talked on the phone more in the past two weeks than I can remember doing in years!
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