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Ok. Please bear with this thread. One of the reasons I think lockdown has become so hard for all is our increasing 'shut up' culture. Let me start by saying I completely support the lockdown and the measures for as long as necessary, like most people out there. BUT we need to
have a moan from time to time. It's ok to feel down and miss things and important that we feel that's validated and ok without getting into a row. So here are some examples I've come across to illustrate and maybe just make us all think before comment
Young people and teens who say they miss nights out, dating, hanging out, clubs. They are then told 'Oh for gods sake you have years ahead of you for that, get on with it, people are sick'. That doesn't help them. It's ok for them to miss those things and admit its hard
People who miss pubs. It was their ritual, their thing. They get told 'Oh be quiet, we can all do without bloody pubs, a while off the drink will do you good'. It doesn't help. Missing pints in a pub is perfectly ok to moan about.
People who are upset because they loved their week in Santa Ponsa. They get told 'Oh first world problem, shut up, you will live without sun, enjoy things here and stop moaning, think of all the other people'. It doesn't help. It was their thing and they are entitled to miss it
People who lost income, jobs or are under threat. They get told 'But what else could we do? It's hard but at least you have your health'. I know from previous experience that really doesn't help.
People who are scared to go back to a workplace or a job due to covid. They get told 'Oh just get out there and do your job, other people had to do theirs, you are lucky to have a job'. That doesn't make them lose their fears
People who are fed up after a year of working alone at home. They get told 'Oh for gods sake you are lucky you can work from home, doesn't it save you time? Think of all the people who had to go out even during covid, don't be so selfish'. It doesn't make them feel less lonely
People who miss visits or family. They get told 'Well its for your own good, you will see them in time enough. Use some other method to stay in touch'. It doesn't help.
So please, let people have a moan. Maybe say nothing. Maybe agree and tell them it is crap. It's ok to admit that that thing is important to them. We can obey the rules and still moan, it feels good to do and sometimes not be lectured for it.
