Most people in the United States are ????? ?????? ???????? ????????on their third or fourth week of self-quarantine. Some states are calling it "shelter in place," and others are calling it "stay at home." Whatever the official name, life as we knew it has changed, indefinitely.
With the coronavirus pandemic reaching a new peak of nearly 400,000 confirmed cases and over 12,000 deaths in the United States as of Thursday, it's obvious that social distancing is one of the safest, and most effective way to lessen the strain on our already buckling healthcare system. That doesn't mean we don't miss what we took for granted only a month ago.
Estimates for when everything will go back to "normal" — whatever normal will be — are hazy. Some health officials are taking the shelter in place mandates week by week. In California, the "safer at home" mandate is officially in place from Mar. 19 to Apr. 19, but is "subject to extension" depending on how the virus spreads.
It's looking pretty bleak out there. And there are certainly worse things that being stuck inside for a longtime to help your fellow citizens. But if you need something inspirational to contemplate during your boredom, here are 10 things to look forward to whenever this ends.
1. Buying toilet paper without panic
I miss the days of buying a triple ply 12 pack. Credit: Getty Images Do you remember the days of walking into a store, strolling down the bath products aisle, and perusing the various types of toilet paper? A time before you had to scavenge through grocery stores in hopes of finding a shred of 1-ply single packaged rolls? At least when this is over, you can hope to buy a luxurious value pack of toilet paper.
2. Any physical contact
Who remembers hugs?? Credit: Getty Images Handshakes? Hugging your friends goodbye? Even just coming within six feet of another human being? These are all actions of days past, but that doesn't mean we can't look forward to it one day.
3. Taking the same photo your friend just did at brunch
Brunch! What a concept! Credit: Getty Images Brunch! What a concept! Who remembers being able to gather in groups, at non-essential businesses? Yes, at one point, I have made fun of taking the same photos of a brunch spread as three other people and posting it to Instagram, but it's clearly something I took for granted.
4. Touching your face
Touching your face seems like such a foreign concept now. Credit: Getty Images/Uppercut RF Touching my face seems like such a foreign concept now. After early reports warned against contracting the coronavirus by avoiding any unnecessary face touching, everyone became more conscious of just howoften they brushed their hair away, or rubbed their eyes, or held their chin in their hands. Admittedly, my skin has gotten better, but I still miss not having to worry about touching my face!
5. Taking public transportation
It's so bleak that I'm dreaming of taking public transportation. Credit: AFP via Getty Images You know it's bleak when the thought of being collectively late with a group of strangers because of yet another delayed train is comforting. People are still taking public transportation — not everyone has the privilege of staying home through this pandemic — but for the most part, many people are trying to avoid it as much as possible.
6. Inviting people over
Remember social gatherings? Credit: Getty Images Imagine being able to see people in person, not through another Zoom happy hour. Imagine being able to invite people over who aren'tpart of your current isolation cell. Imagine not needing to do socially distanced drop offs for bartered goods — you could let people into your house!
7. Using public touchscreens
Touching screens? That other people have also touched?? Credit: Getty Images The thought of using a public touchscreen, whether you're checking into a flight, voting, or just trying to hit up an ATM, that someone else has touched is truly horrifying right now. Just think about how, in a few months, we might be able to buy a MetroCard without cringing over your rapidly depleting hand sanitizer stash!
8. Get a hair cut
We're all going to need haircuts after this quarantine is over. Credit: Getty Images The longer this self-quarantine continues, the more unruly everyone's hair is getting. Sure, you can binge YouTube tutorials and try to do it yourself, but if you're not brave enough, you'll probably have to wait it out. And if you're anything like me, you're probably yearning for the day you can walk into a non-essential hair salon and get a decent trim.
9. Crowds, in general
I've never liked crowded spaces, but now I almost miss them. Credit: Getty Images Who knew we'd all be craving the sweet, sweet feeling of being completely surrounded by strangers? I can't name a single person, including myself, who enjoys being part of crowds, but I know that I do miss the feeling of being around other people.
10. Appreciating just going outside
At least we can look forward to going outside. Credit: Getty Images OK, in most places around the United States, you can still take walks and go on runs. Going outside isn't banned entirely. But knowing that I can eventually go out without a face mask and gloves, and not need to worry about maintaining six feet of distance between myself and other passerby, is getting me through the pandemic.
This isolation period is necessary, but it's also incredibly lonely. At least we have things to look forward to!