Return to Normal: Good and Bad

Last month I wrote about reopenings. Those have continued apace, and my life is slowly returning to pre-pandemic patterns. I no longer gear up for trips to the grocery store or drugstore as if I were heading into battle. I don’t even wear a mask in most stores. I go to Mass each weekend. I’ve had restaurant dinners with my husband and lunch with a friend. I went to an in-person board meeting. Both in-person book clubs are now meeting again. One of my writing groups is meeting in person, which means we debate our writing instead of relying on electronic comments.

In addition, I’ve been able to deviate from my daily and weekly pandemic routines, mostly without a lot of preparation and worry about health concerns. I bought a car—a major decision I’d postponed for a year. My husband and I had a visitor this month—our daughter, with plans for more family visitors at the end of July. And we’ve traveled to see relatives more often as well.

Despite the slow growth of reopenings, last week was the first week that felt mostly normal to me. I had two evening events with friends and my critique group meeting. That meant three forays south of the river—a 30- to 40-minute drive from my house, and one trip took me through four counties. I put about 300 miles on my new car in just a few days.

What do I like about this return to normal?

• I was delighted to see my daughter for the first time in almost a year.
• It was nice to receive hugs from friends. Some of them I’ve only seen on screens for the past year, and some of them not even that.
• I appreciate the give and take of critiquing in person, which is so much more complete than reading someone’s comments on a Word document.

And what don’t I like?

• Sitting outdoors in the summer heat isn’t nearly as comfortable as my climate-controlled house.
• I had to dress up for the board meeting, and I even had to think about what I wore when meeting friends. From head to foot, not just from the waist up.
• I had to add commuting time to my calendar, which cut into my work time. And my gas consumption will increase, even in my new car.

For introverts like me, reopenings are a mixed blessing. I enjoy being with people, but mostly in small quantities. Webinars are good for introverts, particularly when large groups are meeting and I can turn off video. Now, I will have to get used to accommodating others in ways that I have not for over a year.

Still, all in all, seeing people’s faces in person, no matter where or when, is a huge thrill after a year of Zoom and masks. And hugs are important, even for introverts.

How are you feeling about the return to normal? Or are you not yet returning?