Has the Pandemic changed you in how you feel when you are out and about?

AMKC

It has changed me. I used to have no problem if someone stood near me in a line but now I hate it and I put my hand out to make sure they sand at least 4 foot back which should really be 6 foot back.

I was in Lidl last week and there was big man trying to stand close to me I just kept moving. For now on I think I will get a trolley whether I need it or not and use that to stop anyone standing close to me.

eggy81

Definitely find myself more anxious when out particularly in the pub. Not really in relation to Covid stuff. Just feel I became more of a recluse during lockdown. Find it much harder to engage in conversation.

Potential-Monke

Yup, I've basically given up on pubs, clubs, concerts, festivals, and more than likely flights. I wasn't into most of that before lockdown, but it has shown me how disgusting people are in general and they are completely oblivious to it. Things are going back to the way they were pre-pandemic and it's like the last 18 months never happened judging by the carry on of a lot of people.

I was helping a mate move last week, and he treated me to dinner. The place he brought me to looked for the covid cert/QR code and took his details. My sister and parents went for dinner with relatives Sunday and the place didn't ask for anything. I will be turning around and leaving those places. I understand some businesses don't want to deal with it/don't agree with it, and that's fine, but I won't go there.

It has changed me. I used to get sick once a month with a chest infection and sniffles for a lot of the other times. I haven't even so much as had a sniffle since last March. Other people make me sick, that is obvious now. So other people can go and feck, I'll live my life in solitude as much as I can now. Have a niecphews 21st the weekend, apparently 50+ going. I will show face, leave the mask on, and leave after 20 minutes. Feck that!

CptMonkey

ya I have definitely changed. I avoid crowds now at all costs really. Can’t be dealing with people on top of me. Haven’t eaten inside a restaurant yet. I opt to eat out side.

Havent got my customary chest infection in the last 18months which has been a positive.

I'm fortunate that I will continue to be working from home for the foreseeable when many people I know are going back to offices. Were I not so fortunate, I would go back to the office kicking and screaming and would be job hunting for a remote work job. Getting on a crowded train or bus, for an hour or two per day, no thanks.

Ive been in a pub once so far this year, and sat outside. Not been to the cinema since.... 2019.

My annoyance the first time things reopened, before the most recent lockdown, was that everywhere I went, seemed to have a slightly different interpretation of the rules. Now that things are reopening, my annoyance is further increased by every individual you meet having a different interpretation. Some think the crisis is over. Some are as vigilant as ever. Certainly discourages you from starting a conversation or standing too close to someone.

Talking to a friend today, he said the pandemic has stopped spontaneity in life. He went for a walk with his wife recently, and they met two friends of thers who were having a drink outside a pub. The friends invited them to join them, but they'd forgotten their phones, so didn't have their covid passports, and didn't know if they should have made a reservation and between uncertainty and hassle, they declined. He added another anecdote, they went to the cinema at the weekend, booked the tickets online, but didn't know they had to book their popcorn and drink online too so when they got there, they weren't able to get drinks or popcorn. They took their seats and found they were the only people in the cinema.

BrianD3

I'm generally more cynical, engage with people less than I did before and give less of a fcuk about social niceties. I just ignore people and don't make eye contact when out and about. Also when I go out I often look and smell like a tramp, pre covid I didn't do that.

Jinglejangle69

I feel sorry for you all feeling like this.

I was happy pre covid so I will be happy after covid.

It's not going to change me or the way I live my life.

lawred2

No I'm grand.

But I am saddened when I see people acting like they are at risk of the bubonic plague.

ednwireland

Nope.

Was in the UK. In the pub having pizza and beers no masks generally in shops.

Only things have changed are things that are forced on me like masks and vaccine passports. Was eating out plenty in August when on holiday.

Will be flying to london for a course next month

poisonated

I was in the U.K. recently and I found it to be a little uncomfortable being inside a crowded pub with no one wearing a mask. In Ireland, it seems that it only really gets crowded outside the pub(in beer garden etc).

Mad_maxx

No

Potential-Monke

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117921541#Comment_117921541

Why though? We're quite content with it, there's nothing to feel sorry for.

Jinglejangle69

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117921948#Comment_117921948

You don't sound content when you are giving out about people being on top of you and too close to you and spreading the black plague around you.

Or trying to talk or socialise around you.

Maybe stay under your duvet while the rest of us enjoy life and whats left of it.

Potential-Monke

Right, feck everyone else as long as you have your fun is it? Christ, it's not that bad. Personally, I'm just not socialising anymore. I don't need it. I never did, looking back. It's all a load of **** if you think about it, meeting up to gossip or talk about inane things that really don't matter. I can't stand it. And people in general suck, I've learned. They're greedy and selfish behind the faux persona they give off. Most the time anyway, there are some genuinely nice people out there, but they're very rare I reckon.

But read all that in a happy, upbeat voice, and not the downtrodden angry voice you seem to have assigned to text. I'm happier now than I was 10 years ago when I tried to be the social butterfly type. I'm happy in my bubble, and I wouldn't even go to shops if home delivery was actually good/quick. Let ye off, socialise away, I won't stop or look to stop ye, I just won't be joining in. Each to their own and all that, but crowded places making people uncomfortable is not something new, just that covid has opened the eyes of many more people to how filthy people can be, and no longer want to be part of that. Like another poster above, I'm probably the healthiest I've been since my teen years, and it's because of not socialising. I will take my health, thanks very much.

bucketybuck

Nothing about that is healthy.

It's great - all the paranoid antisocial people are gone and it's only good fun well adjusted people that are socialising. Plus plenty of space in the pubs. Result!

The fact you all aren't getting sniffles is not a good thing for your immune system.

Strumms

apart from my home obviously, I haven’t eaten indoors... managed through luck and through research to have two regular pubs, one new one to me and one restaurant on the north side of Dublin not a million miles away from home who have invested big time in their outdoor dining experience... safe, distant, comfortable, nicely designed screens with segregation and with heaters although haven’t experienced those turned on yet...

be a while yet before I head to a gig or cinema...

im still avoiding big Q’s and crowds as well as public transport which I wouldn’t be a massive fan / user of aside from the odd taxi anyway.

Day Lewin

I've forgotten how to People.

Very tense before going out...and stupidly don't know if hugs are "allowed" yet, etc. Do we shake hands? Or what?

Skerries

I was in England the other week and it was brilliant to be back around normality again with no masks indoors and able to go to pubs and restaurants without covid Nazis demanding mein papiere so I was a bit resentful when I was back in the airport and had to put on a mask again

Potential-Monke

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117921999#Comment_117921999

According to you. Trying to do the opposite was worse for me mentally.

People really need to stop judging those who don't conform to the same normality's that they do. Threads like this are great evidence of it, with anyone who isn't mad for a full reopening being referenced to nazis and saying there's something wrong with them. Bullying is all it is. As long as you have your fun, that's all that matters. Greed and selfishness. Thanks for proving my points!

pgj2015

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117921411#Comment_117921411

Being the only one in the Cinema is the dream.

ShatterAlan

There is no pandemic.

Now there is a shortage of CO2 and a fucking food shortage?

I can't wait to see the next crap.......can't buy a biscuit because there's a shortage of Carbon Dioxide.

HildaOgdenx

I just want some kind of normality tbh. Looking forward to attending shows, plays, and eating out - well I have made a start on the eating out, meeting friends for lunch and so on.

I would like if people kept some concept of personal space, i.e you do not need to stand on my heels in a queue at the supermarket.

Nothing will happen, nobody will pounce into the space between us, really they won't... 🙄

Purple Mountain

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117922166#Comment_117922166

Yes I agree. I think it's all about balance. I am itching to get back to weekend trips away every now and again, meeting friends and family on my terms etc but definitely I don't think it's any harm going forward to carry a little bottle of sanitizer in the car/handbag and get used to using it even after this is over, especially after using a public toilet or shopping trolley etc.

But yes, I'm not going to let this pandemic shrink my life in the long term. Enough is enough and with balance and common sense life will go on for me anyway.

AllForIt

Not in the slightest.

Whey would it? A virus is not a new thing and Corona Virus wasn't that deadly anyway.

I'm looking forward to life getting back to normal, that is if the climate change activities don't get in my way.

jimbobaloobob

I’ll probably shake less hands was never too comfortable with the times that it occurred I’ll still do it but less

my ocd for hand hygiene will continue as it was before all of this just now it will look like I’m trying to be trendy

I still miss all the hugs 🤗

Mister Vain

Not really, I just avoid shaking hands with people now. I wouldn't be into pubs or large crowds generally but I did go a large outdoor event last weekend and it was great. I was a bit hesitant but I'm glad I went.

Hasn't really affected me too much but I have noticed people in general are more polarized and divided. So much bitterness and hatred out there towards each other.

bucketybuck

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117922101#Comment_117922101

For somebody who basically wants to remove themselves from society you sure seem to have a lot to say about it on your way out the door. You do you of course, but its a simple fact that human beings are social animals and somebody displaying the strong aversion you appear to have, somebody considering all other human beings to be filthy and nasty, well that just isn't a healthy mindset.

Regardless, I really couldn't care less what you or anybody else does, hide in a bubble for the rest of your life if you want to. My problem throughout this pandemic is that those living in fear seemed intent on dragging the rest of us under the beds with them. I for one do not intend to live in fear and would really appreciate it if the single issue demographic would stop infringing on my life.

marklazarcovic

wait until the establishments divide into two...one for the maskers and one for personal choice crowd,it will happen.

Fandymo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117921411#Comment_117921411

Your friends sound a bit thick. You don't need a Covid pass to have a drink outside.

To the OP, not in the slightest. I've been in packed pubs since they reopened, been to the cinema, on the bus/train etc. I'm dying to get back to more normality where every pub is packed, some are still following the stupid rules to the T. Was at a friends 40th over the weekend, inflatable pub in his garden, was brilliant craic and great to see everyone having fun again, long may it continue.

Fandymo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117921991#Comment_117921991

Mental Health is health too, maybe you need to talk to someone. People aren't generally "filthy", and exposure to some germs help build your immune system.

I feel sad for people who are scared or hesitant to get back out there, I mean those who really want to but are stuck due to fear. It must be awful.

For me I am the exact same regarding socialising and being around others as I was prior to the pandemic. I sort of intuitively know what to do in social circumstances with others and that hasn't changed.

I'm out and about all the time and I'm very delighted to be.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117922491#Comment_117922491

Mostly just in online bubbles, most of which are living in US politics. I haven't seen anything like that in the real world in Ireland.

I see sheep

Release from the lockdown has made me want to go out more, see more people, do more things.

I was on holiday a while ago and it was great to do everything we did pre-Covid, I didn't think about Covid or lockdown once the whole time.

And when I got back (to the UK) all restrictions were gone, walked into a pub and ordered a pint at the bar, sat anywhere, it was class.

I think anyone saying social distancing/people afraid of everything is better is suffering some kind of Stockholm Syndrome to Covid/Lockdown.

joe40

I'm personally happy enough with restrictions as they are and come late October I'll be happy to see further easing of restricitions.

I'm not living in fear of anything, but I acknowledge that Covid still poses a risk so the fairly innocuous restrictions for another few weeks are not a problem for me. We will get back to normality soon and i'll have no problem socialising again, as normal, then. In the meantime covid passes are fine with me.

ShatterAlan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117922101#Comment_117922101

Your fears and paranoia don't trump other peoples' right to live their lives. Selfish? Give me a break. You're the selfish one trying to guilt-trip others who don't drink the kool-aid that you are so ready to quaff by the bucketful. There are 2 types of people. Those who are afraid of their own shadow and those who aren't. The former should stay at home under the bed in a friggin hazmat suit if stepping out the door is so treacherous. I'm afraid of the mosh-pit at punk/metal concerts hence I don't go in. I don't call all those slamming off each other and stage diving "selfish" for not respecting my comfort and safety if I want to stand in the middle of the floor.

pgj2015

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117921991#Comment_117921991

Just one thing I would definitely disagree with you on, I don't think people in general suck. I deal with the public every day and 99% of them are good people who don't cause me any problems, people in general are good, of course there are a few absolute a$$holes but they are in the minority.

completedit

Nah, but my speech patter has become more noticeably robotic and predictable.

The way it is with me, I have been observing the restrictions almost to the letter apart from getting to know/mix with one new individual outside of my circle (in spite of the restrictions) and that was because I was residing alone, and I’m being honest about this. Being a sociable (if somewhat independent) person I found the restrictions crucifying.

I used to travel a lot (not eco friendly and feel the guilt!!) and enjoyed going out and socialising, and generally enthusiastic in company. The past year has introverted me a great deal, but then I hear I am far from alone in this respect. I am prepping myself right now for a turnaround!

Potential-Monke

I seemed to have triggered a few people. Long post incoming.

@bucketybuck Am I not allowed an opinion? Because I don't agree with societal norms, I should just shut up and leave? Is it not the point of an anonymous forum to discuss things? I give my opinion simply because it usually is the opposite of what most people think. But some people seem to take this as a personal attack of some sort. It's not. You say simple fact human beings are social animals, but it was simple fact 50 years ago there were only 2 genders (no, I'm not bringing the discussion that way). Simple fact, just like common sense, isn't simple (or common). Yes, the vast majority of people are like that, but I wonder is it because to be anything else is met with anger and accusations? It certainly took me longer to realise what makes me happy because of it. Society has changed many times since the dawn of man. And I stand by my belief that most people are dirty, because they are in my opinion. And I'm guilty of it myself. But it's just my opinion. I'm not asking anyone to believe what I say or follow me. I'm not asking anyone to join me "under the bed", i'm asking them to be a little more mindful of those who can no longer take part like they used to. But no, it's always met with your comment, it affects me so no, I want my fun = selfishness/greed. In my opinion.

@Fandymo As above re: dirty, but I'm well aware of my mental health, more aware of it these days than ever before, and I'm doing what i'm doing because that helps me. I don't need to be social. I don't need to be part of the rat race. I do what makes me happy, and it should not be harming anyone else, so why is it a bad thing? Because it's different? And I'm not locking myself in my house. I do go out, but I go to places where there are little to no crowds. I get the shopping, I visit a couple of actual friends when it suits us both. I play D&D either in person or online. I just don't go to pubs, clubs, concerts, etc. I don't pretend to have 1000 friends through all my jobs and clubs over the years, I have a close handful and plenty acquaintances. Being healthy without doubt for the last 18 months, while avoiding society, leads me to believe that other people make me sick. So I avoid it now. Again, don't think I'm harming anyone by doing that. Except maybe people who don't like to see someone not taking part in the rat race and actually being happy... I dunno, I'm no psychiatrist, but I don't think I need to be one to know my own happiness. But, as you suggested, by talking to someone I take it you don't mean a random anonymous person on the internet, like the many who seem to think I need to talk to someone...

@ShatterAlan But other peoples right to live their lives don't trump my right to whatever it is I do? That's not selfish? Just because most people think that way, the few who don't should shut up and exclude themselves even more? "guilt-trip others who don't drink the kool-aid that you are so ready to quaff by the bucketful. " What? Can you please rephrase that so it's a bit more understandable? Just because I think differently, doesn't automatically equate me to someone who should hide under their bed. See above, I'm not a recluse, I just choose to avoid busy/crowded social situations for many reasons, lately because I genuinely believe people can't do simple cleanliness, and avoiding it for the last 18 months, be it mandatory or by choice, I haven't been sick, at all. 2+2=4 to me there. Re: your analagy, that's exactly what I'm doing, going shopping at quieter times, not going to busy places. But that doesn't suit the black and white narrative some people try to push of pro vs anti full opening/lifting.

I'm going to ask ye again to read my posts in a neutral tone, because I feel like some of ye think I'm getting all worked up over this, sweating over my keyboard covered in doritos and mountain dew. I'm giving opinions, and I'm being accused of needing mental health and selfish (for not attending places...). It's just my opinion, and I hope that if there is someone else out there who was like me a few years ago, can see this post and realise it's ok to not be part of the societally expected norms. I'm asking the general public to be a bit more cognisant that not everyone is going to be 100% ok with the way things used to be, and give a bit of respect. But I don't expect it. In fact, I expect the opposite, and I'm seeing it evidenced here in this thread. Humans won't change, that drives my belief, and I do agree with @pgj2015 that there are good people out there, but my belief that everyone is a dick and selfish is serving me well, because when they're not being dicks or being selfish it's a bonus, a win if you will. But it allows me to no longer get upset when humanity proves me true. If you can't think any less of something, it can't be any worse, but it leaves it open to improve. Always expecting to be disappointed means you'll never be truly disappointed, but you can more easily be pleased.

Again, I'm not interfering with anyone or anything. I'm choosing not to attend certain events or places, and I don't expect anyone else to agree or disagree with me. All I want is for people to use shared public spaces, specifically ones that are required (shops, etc) while keeping other peoples personal space in mind. I know that can't/won't happen in pubs/clubs, so I won't go, but I shouldn't have to tell someone to back away from standing on top of me in Tesco. But I still do, 18 months into a pandemic I still have to say that.... That fuels my beliefs, but again they're my beliefs and I don't expect anyone to agree with me.

I wouldn’t ever have been much of an attendant at mass events, but normally absolutely love to socialise in close/intimate circumstances. During pandemic I was quite nervous about socialising; absolutely not at all now.

pgj2015

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117927054#Comment_117927054

Do you think your former employment has given you the idea that people in general suck?

I think now that society is opening up, and a lot of folk have become almost “institutionalised” by the pandemic, that it is important to force oneself into socialising, even if at first a bit iffy or non-enthusiastic about it. Somebody was discussing this with me only yesterday and said they too had been initially reluctant, but by literally just going through it they began to reintegrate onto the social scene.

Its interesting to read some of the responses to Potential's experience and way of life.

It certainly wouldn't be mine, in particular how he views other people. It is his way though. Potential finds comfort and peace in how he lives. Why would that upset others?

Mister Vain

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117928670#Comment_117928670

There is an element of that alright, especially after the long lockdown we had earlier this year. I had no real enthusiasm to get back into my hobbies for a while. It was like forcing myself to go to the gym; hate the idea but feel better afterwards.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117929636#Comment_117929636

I still can’t bring myself to go to the gym, owing mainly to the fact that there’s a persistent cougher there. Possibly the person has CF and attending the gym for health, but since Covid reared it’s ugly head it just put me off. I tend to take my exercise outdoors once again. Attending the gym for about a year did add some vigour and muscle into me and I haven’t really lost much of it by not attending. I started going after having a very difficult recovery from a knee replacement, had been unfit for years due to that and other previous health issues, and even today someone remarked that I look better than I have five in years, had I been in a diet or something. I don’t know if I can be motivated to return to the gym.

My Big Test about how I feel about being very close to a lot of strangers is going to be next month, when I’m booked on two short overseas trips almost back-to-back, having rescheduled them to end-of-season departures due to summer postponements. I normally absolutely adore the momentum and novelty of travel, though never have liked big crowds per se, and this is going to test how I really cope with it. Whilst I no longer fear Covid the way I did (I actually feared passing it on more than anything) I still don’t fancy getting a dose of anything for my holidays.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117922013#Comment_117922013

Suppose that might depend a lot on why they are not getting them. If there are not getting them due to managing zero exposure then I do wonder if you are right - that over time this might have implications to their immune systems. It is something I have been meaning to read up.

However simply being someone who does not get them and never has - I doubt has similar implications. I live basically the opposite existence for the opposite reasons that potential-monke describes above. I have found myself being more social over the last decade or so. With more people. And it has nothing to do with "gossip or talk about the inane".

I study close combat which involves getting up close and personal with many other combatants - I work with troubled local teens - I teach "guided" meditation to strangers - I throw house parties for friends - I have kids of my own and am exposed to their friends a lot too. And I hunt wild animals and dig around in the dirt in the garden a lot.

I do not remember a single sniffle in quite a few years.

I must have gotten infected with many things in that time. I just did not suffer in any way from it. Not even a sniffle. Hell for all I know I have caught covid multiple times. I doubt it but I probably wouldn't know if I had maybe.

Why I am like that would be only guesswork. It would be easy to point to my diet and healthy lifestyle and guess it is that. I worked through every diet under the sun before I found the one that works for me for body weight and fitness and health.