Last night, my partner and I picked up an online order from our local Chipotle to celebrate Taco Tuesday, a tradition we established during the pandemic. Our usual routine involves ordering the food, him parking while I dash in to grab it, and then we swing by McDonald’s for a soda—because what’s Mexican food without a fizzy Diet Coke, right? This little outing has become a cherished escape for us, turning our car into our new date night spot.
However, last night was a different story. Upon arriving, we found a line stretching out the door. The restaurant was overwhelmed and unable to fulfill online orders. Customers were showing up to find their meals missing, and gone were the days when you could simply walk in and place an order.
The staff handled the chaos remarkably well. They organized the crowd, took orders by hand, and relayed them to the kitchen while we waited outside in the chilly air. It was an eye-opening experience. Some patrons lost their cool, while others left in frustration or shouted at the employees. Yet, a few stood patiently, adopting an “it is what it is” mindset. I’ve always believed in treating service workers with respect, especially in situations beyond their control. After a year of this pandemic, we are all frayed at the edges.
It’s been a full year since COVID-19 changed our lives, introducing a rollercoaster of emotions. Personally, I’ve grown more accustomed to staying in, something that was once a struggle for me. But I worry about the impact of isolation on my teenagers, constantly monitoring their mental health.
Reader Lisa T. shared her sentiments: “It’s tough. I sleep too much, food delivery is too easy, I’ve gained weight, and it’s affected my relationship. We’ve been together for 3.5 years but don’t live together, and we’re both caring for aging parents, trying to keep them safe.” Caring for loved ones during a pandemic is challenging enough for a few weeks, let alone a whole year.
Business owner Mark S. expressed the stress of the times: “I hate how tense everyone feels. I never had to quarantine since I own stores, but the challenges have been relentless. I’m praying for this to end!” The truth is, despite having fewer places to go, we are all utterly exhausted.
Another reader, Sarah W., echoed similar feelings: “I feel like a bear preparing for hibernation. I’ve gained weight, which adds to my fragile self-esteem. I’m grappling with anxiety and depression, and my kids are so done with online school. I miss seeing my family; it’s incredibly lonely.” Loneliness, anxiety, and fatigue seem to be common threads among us. Many have noticed a bit of extra fluff around the waist—something we should accept with grace during these trying times. Food is comfort, and it’s okay to seek that comfort now.
Miranda J. is also feeling drained but has discovered something valuable: “I’m so tired, but I’ve realized that most things aren’t as important as I once thought. I don’t need to work as hard as I did before.” Homeschooling has been a revelation for her family, bringing them closer together.
Ava R. humorously remarked, “I regret teaching my kids how to talk. They’re teenagers now, and I just want some peace and quiet!” Many can relate to that sentiment; we love our kids but sometimes crave a moment of silence amidst constant togetherness.
As we mark over a year since COVID-19 swept across the globe, it’s clear that, while this is challenging, we continue to push through. We can endure tough times—even if we’re utterly fed up with it all.
For more insights on coping during these unprecedented times, check out this other blog post here.
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