I really needed to think about this. I am, by nature, an introvert and so, to quote my granddaughter, have been training for this moment all my life. I tend to self-isolate as a normal life style. I am lucky enough to live in a senior's complex and so have simple and superficial interactions on a daily basis; the 'hi' and 'how are you' and 'hot enough for you' quick conversations. However, I have come to realize that due to lack of practice deeper relationships have been more stressful for me. I reach out because it feels good to connect occasionally but those connections are now harder for me. I have come to a place where I understand what a blessing it is for me to have friends I can reach out to, friends like you, and a new appreciation for those relationships and what they bring to my life. I miss the ease with which I took family time and hugs for granted and will approach those moments with more gratitude than ever before. My daughter and her family are now in our bubble and I find my excitement over our monthly visits as exciting as when I was a child on my way to the fair!
Thanks for the mention, Dascha! I have always been weird/ambivalent around connection, so pandemic has mostly forced the whole world to join me in my weird place, if that makes any sense. I love Zoom visits and have done a few outdoor visits here and there. I get physical contact from my wife and dogs, which is plenty for me. I can't imagine living alone at this time in history.
I really needed to think about this. I am, by nature, an introvert and so, to quote my granddaughter, have been training for this moment all my life. I tend to self-isolate as a normal life style. I am lucky enough to live in a senior's complex and so have simple and superficial interactions on a daily basis; the 'hi' and 'how are you' and 'hot enough for you' quick conversations. However, I have come to realize that due to lack of practice deeper relationships have been more stressful for me. I reach out because it feels good to connect occasionally but those connections are now harder for me. I have come to a place where I understand what a blessing it is for me to have friends I can reach out to, friends like you, and a new appreciation for those relationships and what they bring to my life. I miss the ease with which I took family time and hugs for granted and will approach those moments with more gratitude than ever before. My daughter and her family are now in our bubble and I find my excitement over our monthly visits as exciting as when I was a child on my way to the fair!
Thanks for the mention, Dascha! I have always been weird/ambivalent around connection, so pandemic has mostly forced the whole world to join me in my weird place, if that makes any sense. I love Zoom visits and have done a few outdoor visits here and there. I get physical contact from my wife and dogs, which is plenty for me. I can't imagine living alone at this time in history.