As we begin to emerge from the shadows of the pandemic and reflect on our pre-COVID social lives, I find myself pondering the lessons we’ve learned. Much like the character Stan from “South Park,” who often concludes episodes with newfound insights, we too will soon face a reckoning. What have we truly learned from this experience? The pandemic has revealed much about people’s values and actions during a time of crisis. As we navigate this post-COVID world, the question looms: can we truly forgive?
Throughout the pandemic, I often felt like the only diligent student on a group project. We adhered strictly to safety protocols; we stayed home and followed guidelines. We had the privilege to do so, and we made sacrifices. When I refer to forgiveness in a post-COVID context, I’m not addressing financial hardships or the tough decisions families faced to survive. I’m not discussing the choices parents made about sending their kids back to school—those decisions were difficult and personal. I’m talking about the deeper, more troubling actions that demand genuine forgiveness.
Post-COVID: Can We Forgive Those Who Lied?
What do we do about the individuals who lied about their actions during the pandemic? These are the ones who chose to disregard health guidelines and misled others about their choices. We learned who could be trusted and who wasn’t, especially when lives were at stake. In my case, some chose social gatherings over the health of my family member with asthma. Can we simply overlook the deceit? It’s challenging to reconcile the notion that these individuals once seemed reliable.
Can We Forgive the Mask Refusers?
Then there are those who outright refused to wear masks. This behavior exemplified a level of selfishness that was astonishing. Some denied the science behind mask-wearing for political reasons, while others simply didn’t want to be inconvenienced. How do we reconcile the actions of those who prioritized their comfort over the health of others? The pandemic exposed a troubling aspect of their character.
Post-COVID: What About the Cheaters?
We’ve all seen the people who flouted restrictions for trivial reasons. Perhaps you, like me, did your best to follow the guidelines while watching others disregard them for haircuts or dining out. How do we manage our feelings towards those who seemingly escaped the pandemic unscathed while others made sacrifices? Do we confront them, ignore our feelings, or act as if nothing happened?
Estrangements and Relationships
The most painful aspect of this reckoning involves estrangements that occurred during the pandemic. Disagreements over how to handle the crisis led to severed ties for some families. Can we simply revert to normalcy after such rifts? If someone chose to cut ties over differing opinions on pandemic management, it’s naïve to expect a warm welcome back. This situation likely indicates deeper issues in those relationships.
When I explained the concept of post-COVID forgiveness to my child, he responded with skepticism. “No, we shouldn’t forgive them,” he said. “They showed us who they really are.” His perspective resonates; many revealed that their priorities lay elsewhere, valuing convenience over compassion.
I’m uncertain about what a post-COVID world will hold, but I know that those who demonstrated selfishness will not be part of my life moving forward.
For more insights on navigating relationships during these times, check out this blog post. Additionally, if you’re exploring options for home insemination, resources like Make a Mom offer valuable guidance, alongside CDC resources on pregnancy and health.
Summary
As we transition into a post-COVID world, we are faced with the challenge of forgiveness, particularly regarding those who lied, refused to comply with health guidelines, or created rifts in our relationships. The pandemic has exposed underlying values and priorities, making it a pivotal moment for reflection on who we let back into our lives.