In the midst of managing my son’s remote schooling, catching up on household chores, and navigating daily life, I found myself scrolling through Facebook when a question popped up in a mom group about date nights. How frequently do members get out for a date with their partner? I quickly commented, “Not at all right now, due to the pandemic.”
The original poster reacted defensively to anyone mentioning COVID-19. To my comment, she quipped, “LOL! Chill out, Susan.” Then she asked, “You mean to say your family and friends haven’t seen your kids since COVID?” It was clear she didn’t grasp the meaning of “Karen,” and yes, we adhere to the CDC guidelines.
In my area, most restaurants aren’t offering indoor dining, and even if they did, we wouldn’t go. The thought of being mask-less around strangers while sharing a meal in a confined space is downright anxiety-inducing. How can I unwind with my partner when I’m surrounded by unfamiliar people chomping away too close for comfort?
Additionally, finding a babysitter for our four kids is virtually impossible. Who would quarantine for two weeks and get tested just to watch them for a few hours? I certainly won’t hire someone to come over in winter to hang out indoors with my children while masked.
Moreover, there’s a crucial reason we follow the CDC guidelines: I have a chronic autoimmune condition. While my immune system isn’t compromised, any illness can complicate my health. My blood sugar levels can spike, potentially leading to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition where the body starts shutting down. The thought of needing emergency care during a pandemic is terrifying.
I’ve got four kids to care for. Why would I risk exposure to a virus that could endanger my entire family? No thanks.
Date nights can easily happen at home. There are significant benefits to staying in, like staying in my sweats. I’ve never been fond of movie theaters; they’re overpriced and crowded, and I can’t pause a film when nature calls. Instead, we can stream movies from the comfort of our couch, enjoy as much popcorn as we want, and avoid the cost of a sitter and overpriced meals.
I don’t understand why someone would be so adamant about dismissing science and get upset over another person’s choice to follow health guidelines. What’s their anger really about? Until we all act responsibly regarding COVID-19, it’s going to continue to disrupt our lives.
Typically, I avoid engaging with those looking for a fight, but I broke my rule. I told the poster that labeling a chronically ill person as a Karen for adhering to CDC guidelines is both ableist and rude. I also explained that my kids haven’t been socializing with friends or family unless it’s outside, masked, and distanced.
I wasn’t alone in my perspective; several other members echoed my sentiments about staying home during the pandemic. This didn’t seem to please the original poster.
As expected, there are always those in online groups who post just to rally support for their views rather than seeking genuine input. They often get hurt feelings easily.
I find it hard to address every person who disregards CDC guidelines to stay home, wear masks, and practice social distancing. Many still deny the seriousness of COVID-19, even as over 400,000 Americans have died and more than 24 million have been infected. It’s disheartening and infuriating that some prioritize their “freedoms” over the well-being of others.
Their denial feels personal to me. I belong to a vulnerable population, and when I encounter someone who won’t wear a mask or who invades my personal space, I feel disregarded. Does my life hold less value to them? It certainly seems that way.
Perhaps it was a waste of time to explain to Date Night Debbie why I’m not going out for dinner with my husband during the pandemic. My frustration with those who dismiss health guidelines just boiled over, and I expressed my thoughts honestly, without being rude.
She wasn’t ready to hear it. Many people have made up their minds that the virus isn’t serious. It’s hard to fathom that, nearly a year into this pandemic, some refuse to acknowledge the toll it has taken on our society and won’t do their part to help. They exhaust and burden the rest of us. I wish I had some wisdom or encouragement to share, but the reality is, like those who are also following guidelines, we are just over it.
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In summary, many moms are navigating the complexities of dating during the ongoing pandemic while adhering to health guidelines. The challenges of finding sitters, managing health concerns, and dealing with societal pressures highlight the importance of prioritizing safety and well-being over social norms.