Am I the only 23-year-old left that is still physical distancing?
When COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, it seemed like everyone around me was on the same page. Stay home, protect our loved ones and avoid unnecessary outings.
Over the past two months, rules and laws have lifted. I watched as one by one my friends returned to their “normal” lives — and I’m not talking about going back to work. Large groups from different households going to cottages together, having pool parties, eating out at restaurants and even flying internationally. All without physical distancing or getting tested. And as much as those aspects were a big part of my life before this pandemic, I still can’t bring myself to do any of it. In fact, I can barely bring myself to go anywhere at all due to the sheer nonchalance most people are projecting.
My daily meltdown usually goes something like this: Is there something wrong with me? Was there a pandemic update that I missed out on? How come it feels like I’m the only one left that’s still physical distancing from my friends? Everyone else is doing whatever they want, why aren’t they catching the virus?
The other day I was scrolling through Instagram, which I know is merely a highlight reel — but still. I saw people who I know live with high-risk parents going to bars and attending street parties. Those that frequently visit their elderly grandparents were at wineries and having stay-cations at hotels. And with thousands of articles being published daily about the risk levels of these activities, I still can’t find concrete answers to the following questions:
Am I being overly cautious? Is it very unlikely that I would catch COVID-19 from sleeping in an Airbnb? What am I actually supposed to be doing right now? Why is everyone I know having the time of their lives in very public settings but not getting sick meanwhile some that have stayed in from the start lost their lives?
I’ve been told I’m being “strict,” but I’m literally just following what my city’s guidelines are. Although most businesses are open and operating, we are still technically only supposed to have a social circle of 10 people or less. The people you live with are automatically part of your social circle, and nobody in your bubble should be part of another one. That means that when you see anyone outside your designated group, you’re supposed to distance. And yet, most 20-somethings see a different group of 10 people each week. Obviously this increases exposure levels, because if one person catches the virus it will likely be spread from group to group to group. It’s left me wondering: Do people my age know this and not care? Are they living their regular lives because they’re not worried about catching the virus? Do they even know that these guidelines are still in place?
It’s getting harder and harder to do what I know is responsible. Especially while watching others do the exact opposite.
All this to say, if you also feel like you’re the only young person left that hasn’t changed their lifestyle much from March to now, I’m with you. I don’t know when I’ll start incorporating more “risky” outings into my life, but it definitely won’t be anytime soon.
