The thing I miss most about my daily life is interaction. I am very much an introvert and thrive on having alone time. But then when I begin to think too deeply, I utilize my friends and family as a distraction. Not being able to see friends who I consider family has significantly put a dent in my mental health and strength in my ability to be alone. The one thing I’d say I miss the most is normalcy and the way I’d remain in contact with others. Being able to enter someone else’s home or car without the thought of touching the doorknob or, “Is this car seat infected?” This virus has impacted my thought on life and has made me completely paranoid and heightened my senses and anxiety of everyone and everything around me. 

I don’t believe this world will ever be the same. I’ve had discussions with peers, family and even fellow classmates on this topic. Although this disease may roll over by summertime, the effects will negatively impact our generation for eternity. Dramatically speaking, we will all become germaphobes. The thought today of daily interactions at the store or in the park will become a routine. Routines form over 21 days and quarantine has been over 60 for most. The excessive washing of hands, carrying around hand sanitizer, hoarding cleaning products, etc. will never end. As a whole, I believe the impact this virus will have on us will be traumatic. For people like me with anxiety, obsessive tendencies often form with paranoia. I know that in my world perspective I will never be able to go to a grocery store, then get in my car without sanitizing my hands, or as soon as I step foot through the door having to wash my hands. I understand that most of these things have already been adapted as human nature, but it makes me and others fearful of the unknown.

I envision life after the disease coming down to an almost normal lifestyle but there will be restrictions and limits. I don’t see buildings having packed elevators anymore or people just casually standing next to each other. In the back of my mind the coronavirus will always have an impact on my daily routine. 

 

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Cautious Coffee

Concept by Eugene Sullivan

Emily Lawless Taffee