A Different Lens Mental Health Monthly By RanDee McLain
Social Awkwardness Post COVID What was that first interaction with someone outside your immediate family like after COVID? Did you go in for that awkward fist bump/ hug/handshake/ elbow tap? What do we do, what is the other person ok with? I am a hugger by nature but also want to be cautious as well as respectful of others. I have seen people just go right in for big hugs and not care and others who still are reserved understandably. I remember my first real hug outside of my family. It was an in-person board meeting and we had all been vaccinated and taken safety precautions. I must say that first real hug was amazing. I forgot how much that physical interaction was missing from my life. It is not only that first physical interaction that has been weird. It is social awkwardness in professional settings. Recently, we were booking a venue for an upcoming venue and the staff member of the venue was acting like he had never worked around other professionals in his life. You would have thought we were talking in some dark bar…….his language was very colorful. I am a sailor and that is saying something. He was trying to secure a deal, yet every other word was a F bomb. I thought to myself -has this man talked to another human in the last 15 months?
When I see things like this I jokingly say- oh that’s COVID brain. Covid brain to me is when we forget all the social norms and revert to these awkward social interactions. Believe me there are some social norms we can all agree can go away forever – but that is a different column for a different day. Another odd social event I saw recently was on a plane. Pre- COVID, I traveled about 2-3 times a month for work and pleasure. Anyone who travels knows the social etiquette of deplaning an aircraft. Recently, I was flying cross country and the plane landed at our destination. The second the aircraft touched down at least 20 people from the back of the plane pushed forward to the front. I was concerned at first not understanding what was going on…. but it literally was just a group of entitled/ impatient people that felt they needed to get in front of everyone. It was bizarre. Did we forget how to interact with others and show common decency? The last 15-18 months have been difficult on everyone. Some more than others but it something that has forever changed our lives. These awkward social interactions are small things, but we are all figuring out how to live in this post COVID world. We are figuring it out together. A Couple Tips: • Physical interactions - ask! If you want to hug someone, ask if they are ok with it. If not -respect that! (ummm….we should have always done this!). • Language - Be polite and courteous, use language appropriate for setting and audience. • Dress - ok PJs in the house all day is one thing; if you are going to an office……leave the PJs at home. Lastly, I reiterate this has been a hard time for everyone. Be kind, be patient and understanding of each other. We have made it through a lot and deserve a little grace with each other as we figure it all out. Recently, we talked about change and how difficult it may be for some of us. Stay tuned- I have a big announcement next month and look forward to sharing with all of you! Stay healthy and happy!
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WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / AUGUST 2021
