The other day I was set to post a rant to my Facebook community about how frustrating it is to see and hear that so many people still aren’t getting the memo about staying home right now. Then I realized that it would be pointless, because I choose my friends carefully and I’d be preaching to the choir.
My friends are smart.
They pay attention to current affairs and know that regardless of their beliefs about how this pandemic started, they realize that the reality is that this is where we are right now and now is the time to do our part to help prevent further damage.
My friends are compassionate.
Even if they don’t have immediate family members in the high-risk categories, they care about humanity as a whole and wouldn’t do anything to intentionally jeopardize the health and safety of anybody.
My friends are positive and uplifting.
They support one another and find ways to do so while still respecting boundaries and mandates.
My friends are able to make lemonade out of lemons.
They find ways to make things work, even in the most challenging situations, and they reflect on the positives no matter how hard they may be to seek. They sprinkle in laughter among the tears.
My friends understand the basic rules of statistics.
No matter how low the statistic, when it is happening to you, it is 100% happening to you.
My friends are staying in.
They aren’t having playdates with just a few kids because they know that we have no idea who has been exposed by simple things like touching groceries or picking up the mail. They don’t want to take the chance of unknowingly adding to the problem.
My friends are putting their personal needs, comforts, and conveniences aside for the greater good.
Heck, they’re even FaceTiming with no make-up and roots showing. They’re being real, raw, and beautiful.
My friends are already seeing the good that can come of this.
They are seeing communities band together for the greater good. They’re slowing down and enjoying their families. They’re discovering new hobbies and letting the hustle and bustle take a back seat.
My friends are good, honest people.
They’re reaching out and connecting on a deeper level. They’re supporting those in critical jobs and offering monetary support to those struggling if they are able. They’re humbling themselves and asking for help if they need it personally.
I miss my friends.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I am in awe of the new sides of my friends that we don’t always see. I won’t hesitate to hug them and tell them that when we can get together again.
