Last night, I went with my partner to collect an online order from a local eatery, a little tradition we’ve developed throughout the pandemic to celebrate Taco Tuesdays. Our routine is simple: we place our order online, he pulls up to the pickup area, and I dash inside to grab the food. Afterward, we swing by a drive-thru for some fizzy drinks because, let’s be honest, you can’t enjoy Mexican food without a refreshing Diet Coke.
This outing has become something we both eagerly anticipate, offering a brief escape from the confines of home. Eating in our car has transformed into our modern-day date night. However, our usual experience took a turn last night—the line extended out the door, and the restaurant couldn’t fulfill online orders. Diners arrived to find their cards charged but no food ready, and unfortunately, in-person ordering was no longer an option like it was before the pandemic.
The staff managed the chaos admirably, creating a queue outside, jotting down orders by hand, and relaying them to the kitchen while customers braved the chilly weather. It was a revealing moment. Some diners lost their cool, others simply left, while a few shouted at the workers. Yet, many remained patient, embracing the “it is what it is” mindset. I’ve never understood taking frustrations out on employees for issues beyond their control. We all know that everyone is stretched thin after a year of this crisis.
As we mark 365 days of navigating life under these unusual conditions, it’s evident that we’ve all experienced significant changes—some good, others not so much. Personally, I’ve become more comfortable with stillness and the idea of staying home, a challenge I once found difficult. However, I worry about the toll isolation may have taken on my teenagers and their mental well-being, so I stay vigilant about their moods.
Another reader, Sarah K., shared her struggles: “It’s tough. I find myself sleeping too much and relying on food delivery instead of grocery shopping. I’ve noticed weight gain and it’s affected my self-image. My partner and I have been together for years but don’t live together, and we’re both caring for aging parents, trying to keep them safe.”
Caring for parents during a pandemic is a challenge that stretches on for months, let alone a year.
Business owner Lisa M. expressed her frustrations: “I dislike how tense everyone seems. I never had to quarantine while running my stores. We’ve worked through everything and it’s been exhausting. I’m hoping for a resolution!”
The brutal reality is that even with fewer places to visit, we are all mentally and physically drained.
Julia R. commented, “I feel like a bear preparing for hibernation. I’ve gained weight, which adds to my fragile self-esteem. I’m battling anxiety and depression while my kids are fed up with online schooling. I miss seeing my family, who I used to meet weekly. It’s incredibly lonely, and while I hate to sound overly dramatic, I’m just being honest.”
Feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and utter fatigue seem to resonate with many of us. Acknowledging that we might have gained a few extra pounds during this time is important; we need to be kind to ourselves. Food can be a source of comfort, especially during difficult moments.
Another reader, Emily T., expressed her weariness but also a newfound perspective: “I’m utterly exhausted, but I’ve realized that most things aren’t as crucial as I once thought. I don’t need to work as hard as I did before.” She noted a positive aspect of homeschooling: “It has brought us closer as a family, and we’re finding joy in it.”
Finally, reader Mia P. humorously shared: “I regret teaching my kids to speak! Now that they’re teenagers, I just want some peace and quiet.” Many of us can empathize with that feeling. We love our children and cherish this time together but sometimes wish for a moment of silence.
It’s been over a year since COVID-19 changed our world, and here we are still pushing forward. Yes, it’s challenging, but we continue to persevere because we are capable of overcoming difficult situations—even if we’re weary of doing so.
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