I’ve known how crucial in-person connections are for many years. But nothing polarizes my experience the way the pandemic has.
In-Person Gone
During the lockdowns of the pandemic, many of us have gone for periods of time without seeing other people. I think we can agree that this gets old really fast. Even if we have a housemate or family member that we see in-person, without these broader connections, we lose more than one might expect.
Masks, while helpful for keeping us from giving the virus to each other, also block our ability to relate with each other. When I cannot see your expression, it is so much more challenging to understand you. Even video conferencing keeps us from so much body language and weakens human connection.
Revelation
As pandemic practices morph and being in-person replaces lockdowns, we can see how we’ve lost a sense of relationship. A friend of mine recently said that since people had reduced mask-wearing, she had felt her outer and inner connections opening up in a huge way. I suspect that others have been noticing a similar shift.
These days, it’s the loss (and possible regaining) of the human interactions that intrigues me. Relationships are so inspiring. (After all, how many artworks, compositions, and songs have been written from the inspiration of love.)
In-Person Inspiration
Whatever else I’ve discovered during this pandemic, presence is so crucial. The importance of in-person inspiration cannot be undervalued. I am finding myself drawn to deepen my connection with the people I care about.
Do you have a story about how the pandemic has impacted human relationship? I would appreciate hearing from you. Feel free to drop a comment here or send a note on Twitter.