I often wonder how irreparably the pandemic has changed everything. I can’t even imagine going outside without a mask on. I try to imagine how I will feel the first day they say it’s safe. I think I’ll feel naked.
I have also dealt with a lot of social awkwardness. One day, I stepped outside to get the mail and I had a new neighbor across the street doing his lawn. In the before times, I’d go over there, shake their hand, and introduce myself. Instead, we waved at each other, said hello, and just stood there staring at each other. You could see there was a moment of “What do we do in this situation?” passing between us.
Anyway, I’ll do better next time. It was just a weird instance of not being adapted to every situation in this new normal.