You and Your Family
Benny Bong has been a family and marital therapist for more than 30 years, and is a certified work-life consultant. He was the first recipient of the AWARE Hero Award, received in 2011, and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
Beware the desire to return to the past
I
t has been a few months since Singapore
The first group, which I am guessing is small
shifted to “living with Covid” and treating it as
in number, comprises those who are fearful
endemic. Most restrictions for gatherings and
that the virus is still lurking as a health threat.
dining have been lifted and more workers have
Indeed, their belief is not irrational—in late May,
returned to their workplaces.
as I write this, reported infections in Singapore hovered around 2,500 daily.
Food outlets and shopping malls are once again abuzz with customers. Traffic congestion
The second group, another silent minority,
and crowded MRT trains are becoming
are those who have caught a glimpse of the
commonplace. What a stark contrast to the
possible benefits of a “new normal”. Many who
empty food outlets and quiet roads during the
had to work from home saw that some tasks
height of the pandemic not so long ago.
could be effectively managed from home, reducing the hassle of commuting to and from
Most appear keen to return to the pre-
work. Others found time to attend to both
pandemic days. There are, however, some
work and home responsibilities. Yet others
reluctant ones. They can be divided into two
found opportunities to get more connected
groups.
with their families. July 2022 Methodist Message 33
