Navigating the Strangeness of Returning to Normalcy Post-Pandemic
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The Road to Recovery
As I reflect on my experiences as an emergency medicine physician during the Covid-19 pandemic, I can't help but note how strange the return to normalcy will be. You can check out my previous writings on vaccination disparities, emerging variants, and other crucial topics here.
With summer on the horizon, the news from the White House is promising: by the end of May, there will be enough vaccines to immunize every adult in the U.S. By Independence Day, we may finally begin to celebrate our freedom from Covid-19.
However, amidst this excitement, we must acknowledge a critical truth: the transition back to normal will be anything but straightforward.
As we gear up to reconnect with friends and family, it’s essential to recognize the oddities that will accompany this shift. Sure, we’ve all experienced some weight gain and a wardrobe dominated by loungewear, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Our entire understanding of what is "normal" has been turned upside down.
The Impact of the Pandemic on Our Social Norms
The pandemic has ingrained behaviors in us—mask-wearing and social distancing—that feel second nature now. It’s difficult to envision a world without them.
My own experiences remind me of this reality. During a previous assignment in West Africa tackling the Ebola outbreak in 2014-2015, I faced a similar challenge. The protocols were strict: no touching anyone, not even your spouse. Unlike Covid-19, Ebola spreads primarily through direct contact with bodily fluids. This meant that avoiding physical touch was paramount for safety.
When I first arrived in Guinea, I instinctively reached out to shake a colleague's hand, only to be met with a stern reminder: “We don’t do that here.” The bewilderment of not engaging in physical contact quickly became the new norm.
Over time, the absence of touch felt less strange, and I began to adjust to this altered reality. But as I returned home, the memories of those limitations resurfaced sharply during my first encounters with friends. The familiar act of hugging suddenly felt foreign, and I found myself questioning the unspoken rules of interaction.
Relearning Social Interactions
Navigating these new social dynamics has proven to be more disorienting than I had anticipated. Covid-19 has reshaped our collective understanding of normalcy, and this transformation has been prolonged compared to my brief deployments.
As we begin to re-enter social settings, we will undoubtedly face awkward moments. Consider the first time you’re invited to someone’s home after a long hiatus. Questions like, “Should I initiate a hug to show I’m comfortable, or should I wait for someone else to make the first move?” will arise.
For those who are hesitant to remove their masks or engage in close interactions, it’s important to remember that feeling uncomfortable is entirely valid. Everyone's journey back to normal will differ; some may adapt quickly, while others will take their time.
Embracing the Awkwardness Ahead
As we embark on this unfamiliar path, it’s comforting to know that we are not alone. Everyone around us will be navigating these adjustments, and that shared experience might ease the discomfort of awkwardness.
Despite the strangeness of what lies ahead, I’m genuinely looking forward to reconnecting with others. Perhaps it’s time to refresh my wardrobe with a few new shirts first.
In the video, “These Videos Are Really Weird,” the peculiarities of human behavior during the pandemic are explored, shedding light on the oddities we might face as we return to social life.
The second video, “Why Are People Acting So Weird? Social Disruption, Stress and Substance Use During the Pandemic,” delves into the social disruptions caused by Covid-19, offering insights into our collective experience.