avatarAldric Chen

Summary

The article discusses the author's appreciation for social distancing as a component of the "New Normal," suggesting it could lead to a more peaceful world by respecting personal space.

Abstract

The "New Normal" is a term that has emerged to describe the changes in daily life due to the pandemic, including the widespread use of masks, social distancing, vaccination discussions, various forms of lockdowns, and the shift to remote work. While many aspects of this new reality are challenging, the author finds beauty in the practice of social distancing. They argue that maintaining physical space between individuals can lead to a more respectful society and even contribute to world peace. The author humorously pleads for a return to office work to reclaim personal office space and expresses a deep appreciation for the increased personal space that social distancing provides, despite acknowledging the artificial nature of this change.

Opinions

  • The author values personal space and sees social distancing as a positive outcome of the "New Normal."
  • There is a humorous plea to return to office work to regain individual office rooms, indicating a preference for physical barriers at work over the home environment.
  • The author believes that social distancing is not just a health measure but a step towards societal improvement, potentially leading to world peace.
  • The article suggests that the benefits of social distancing extend beyond health, including increased respect for personal boundaries in various everyday situations.
  • The author's endorsement of social distancing is based on imagined scenarios where personal space is respected, such as in queues, during exercise, and within family dynamics.

A New Normal IN A FEW WORDS?

The “New Normal”. What will stay from now till then?

Photo by LOGAN WEAVER on Unsplash

Everyone speaks about the “New Normal”.

What is the “New Normal”?

Masks, social distancing, the talk about vaccination, lockdowns in various terminologies, Work-From-Home.

All these are the constituents of the “New Normal” package.

Of which, there is one that I appreciate.

No, it’s not Work-From-Home.

Side-Note: Please, please, please resume work from office.

I need my individual office room.

Artificial and physical barriers do not work at homes.

Okay, I digressed.

Back to the one of constituents that I appreciate.

It’s social distancing.

Surprised?

But wait, hear me out.

One thing.

I think it is beautiful.

It is so beautiful to a fault that I am blindsided by the repercussions of this man-made policy.

My endorsement is backed by thought experiments.

It goes like this.

  • Imagine finally having some distance between us and the tailgating cyclist.
  • Imagine finally having some distancing between us and the person queuing just right behind, eagerly sticking their chest to our sweaty back.
  • Imagine finally having kids understand that they should keep a distance away and not come crashing into our lane when we are running.
  • Also, imagine our parents finally understand the need for personal space and not budge into our rooms randomly under the pretext of housework cleaning.

Imagine THAT.

(I pause … awaiting standing ovation … )

Isn’t it beautiful?

It is, for me.

I would go as far as to say … it is the first step towards everlasting World Peace.

Social distancing is designed for people like me, people who fight for their lives just to preserve their highly individual personal space.

And oh yes.

Could you please stand 1 meter apart from me when we are in the same train?

I need to breathe.

Related Stories from the Author.

About the Author:

As a Consultant by training, I believe in making the complex simple.

Because simplicity adds value.

Simplicity helps us gain clarity, and clarity helps us to grow.

And if we are not growing, then what’s the point of anything else?

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