Pandemic Positives -
- Better understanding of history - As I walked around my relatively good-sized town that was pretty much deserted during this pandemic, I couldn't help but think about how it must have been during World Wars around the world. So quiet, kind of eerie, but also with others walking around with you (though you didn't know them and you didn't talk to them). I think it gave me a better appreciation for the generations before us that simply "stayed calm & carried on" during those incredibly trying times (at home and abroad).
- Increased appreciation of/for teachers - I mean, having your kids at home all day (while many parents were also working from home), must be a very good way to see that being a teacher is a really hard job. I wonder if salaries would increase after this is all over.
- Reduced global emissions - with people not needing to take their kids to school or get to the office, the emissions around the globe basically plummeted. Nature started to creep back stronger than ever, and quickly. It gave many of us a real glimpse into what the world might look like without all the daily pollution.
- Increased appreciation for outdoors & sunshine - something about being cooped up most of the day is making any chance to be outside that much sweeter. It also seems like people are even planning their day around when they get to go outside.
- Renewed connections - I think many of us might have reached out to people we might not talk with all too often, but this pandemic seemed to make it much easier drop someone a note and check-in. I've reached out to family, friends, and former coworkers in ~6 states so far. Everyone does seem to be staying safe.
- Saving money - not driving to work, school, errands, etc. Not paying for gas. Not buying those METRA or CTA passes. Not much going out for entertainment or restaurants either. No real reason or way to even go window shopping, which can often turn into real shopping. Maybe a bit more beer and streaming content subscriptions though. Still, I think there's no doubt that we spend less when we stay home all day, everyday. And more on the gas point, not only are most people driving much less, but the price of gas has also dropped significantly, so when you do need to refill, it's costing less. Thank you, Coronavirus?
- Increased appreciation for family & friends - I've heard during all this "fun", the term "social distancing" should actually be rebranded "physical distancing". The physical distance is what keeps one safer, and the social aspects of many relationships have actually increased during this pandemic. It's kind of nice to be reminded how many people are keeping up on your own daily life and wondering how you're doing.
- Increased dating app activity - let's be honest, if you were single during this, you had copious amounts of time (and possibly even if not single). So, it was clear that the amount of traffic on dating sites went up. It's not exactly super helpful, since you weren't really supposed to be meeting new people, but I suppose it could lead to some interesting meet-ups and connections once the restrictions on our personal movements are lifted. I'll leave this as, "TBD".
