Covid Appears to Be Inducing Public Rudeness

I fear Covid is inducing public rudeness. We did take out tonight. I know it is not an indulgence we should make when on a budget. We are trying to support local businesses during Covid, and I needed Mexican food. I drove to get the take-out, and a man was walking into the restaurant before me. He did not hold the double doors for me even though I was only two steps behind him. How rude!

He turned around when we were both inside, said, “Sorry,” and pointed to his mask. Really? He wouldn’t hold the door for me because he adhered to the six-foot social distancing rule. I am not sure how I feel about that. Pre-Covid, I would have been insulted, but now I understand (kind of).

A lot of things have changed since we’ve been experiencing a pandemic. Some people are afraid to leave their houses, while others refuse to wear a mask in public. There are extremes everywhere you look. I have found that Covid has highlighted a few things for me.

I know it would be effortless to write a post about all the terrible things that have happened during this pandemic. I don’t want to do that. There is enough negativity in our midst these days! Instead, I’ve chosen to write about things Covid has allowed me to focus on and appreciate.

I always considered myself a sports fan, but this pandemic has made me realize I am more of a sports nut. I was crushing that there was no Final Four basketball tournament this year. My heart hurts because I haven’t seen my beloved Mets play a baseball game yet in 2020.

Having no sports to watch on television has been simply cruel. Although, I must admit Baseball Night in N.Y. has done an excellent job of speaking about a season starting five months in arrears. Watching sports plays a much more significant role in my life than I realized it did.

My body physically needs a massage once a month. I am a Massage Envy (M.E.) member and have been getting massages monthly for about four years. Pre-covid, I thought this was a complete treat for myself. I have come to find out it was, indeed, a necessity!

M.E. opened up again a couple of weeks ago. My therapist told me that even the soles of my feet were tight when I went for my first massage in four months.

I cannot tell you how better I feel now that I have had two massages by Brittany. I highly recommend everyone get a massage. Try Brittany at the Massage Envy in Lake Success for those of you local. (No, this is not a paid-for advertisement.)

Reading is a favorite pastime of mine. I am in a book club, so I usually read at least one book monthly. During Covid, and since there have been no sports to watch, I have been reading much more often. I love it! I am reading a book every few days now.

Speaking of Book Clubs, it was torture not to have our monthly meetings. The ladies in our club have become very close friends of mine. Their support and friendship are an integral part of my life. Thank goodness we finally got together this month – observing social distancing.

Friendship withdrawals are real. Not being able to see my friends is painful. I feel “out of sorts.” Covid has made me appreciate and value my friends more than ever. A retirement commune is looking doable these days!

I used to never tan. I have Irish skin. Yup, pearly white Irish skin that typically burns, peels, and burns again. Lately, I have been spending lots of time in our pool. I am in the sun more than ever and have tan lines! Who knew that was possible? Not me.

I have great siblings! Covid forced me not to get together with them for a long time. It may sound corny, but absence does make the heart grow fonder.

My birthday (2/26) was my last time with them and their spouses. We were celebrating the big six-o for me. Covid was just starting to crop up in the news.

We had this awkward moment when we first met at the restaurant as none of us knew whether we should hug and kiss or not (we didn’t). Dinner was delicious, and it was a nice night. I don’t believe we realized how long it would be until we could see each other again.

On July 4th, we visited with my sister and one brother (and spouses), and yesterday, we saw my other brother and his wife. It was so good to see them. I felt like a little kid, all excited to see my family!

Lastly, I truly enjoyed being quarantined with my husband and two children. After almost thirty years of marriage, I still like “hanging out” with my hubby. Floating with him in our pool at the end of the day is so lovely.

And being in such close quarters with Erin and Michael allowed me to see the “people” my babies have grown up to be. I couldn’t be prouder of either one of them.

Do I wish Covid didn’t exist? Yes, I most certainly do. However, I have to admit that it has forced me to focus on what’s important to me.

I am considering changing my profile to: “Tan, avid sports-loving reading machine addicted to friends and family that requires monthly massages.” What would your new profile say? Has Covid taught you anything about yourself?