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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Loads of ppl have been saying to me recently they’ve NO intention of going back to “the way things were” society pre covid.

Personally the thoughts of a packed stuffy pub and all that entails is something I never want to endure again

No.

I followed the rules they had in place over the last year and a half but was never in fear of it.

Time to move things back to normal now though and stop us being muzzled up like greyhounds every time we wan to go in to a shop etc.

If people still want to wear masks fair enough but forcing eyeryone to do it neeeds to change, was out in the park recently and this old bollix was going around shouting at everyone to put on a mask, when he got to me I wasn't long telling him where to go.

Was never a regular pub goer but I like a pint or two the odd weekend but will hold off until we can go in and sit at the counter like before C19 came along.

One thing I don't miss is the "obligatory" work nights out. So much hassle with them in my last job.