The effects of too much isolation can be harmful.
I noticed that recently when an acquaintance who has been significantly isolated wrote me a very strange note. Clearly, the note exemplified too much isolation. I also noticed it recently when I had to dress up for an important event--clearly too much isolation found me less ready for public appearances. Too much isolation can distance us too far from the day-to-day manners, polite communication, and humanity that we need to get along with one another in society.
How do we work against this isolation at a pandemic time when to be physically safe demands a good level of isolation? What can we do?
I think that we have to find ways to engage with others whether it be virtually or safely, in-person. With distance and masks, we can still make friendly conversation with people in lines at the post office or grocery store. We can also visit our neighbors and talk from a distance as we deliver small gifts or baked goods. And we can gather with those we love online to play a game, converse, or even share a favorite show as a family member in my home did last night with a good friend.
As we think of our post-pandemic selves, who are we preparing to be. How can we use this time in relative isolation to prepare for those kind-hearted, friendly, loving people we'll be when we emerge from these pandemic cocoons. I'm thinking about that today.