Thanks to everyone for all the comments and information below -- I wanted to add in one more layer which I've been thinking about a lot, which is the grief/sadness we experience when we start to dig into those conversations and find out that our neighbors, family, friends, etc aren't exactly who we thought they were (and even the grief w…
Thanks to everyone for all the comments and information below -- I wanted to add in one more layer which I've been thinking about a lot, which is the grief/sadness we experience when we start to dig into those conversations and find out that our neighbors, family, friends, etc aren't exactly who we thought they were (and even the grief we experience when we ourselves realize we're not as "good" as we thought we were, but that's a whole other conversation). It's a loss, even if just temporarily, or even just the threat of loss that I find prevents me from digging in a bit more. I bring this up because I've been wondering if this is compounded by the physical and emotional impact of living in a pandemic. We're so desperate for human connection that jeopardizing those ties (especially to those who we are in regular contact with) feels extra sad. Its something I've been navigating. I don't think there is a "right" answer here, but it's another dynamic that I've been experiencing in addition to what your'e sharing here Tara.
Thanks to everyone for all the comments and information below -- I wanted to add in one more layer which I've been thinking about a lot, which is the grief/sadness we experience when we start to dig into those conversations and find out that our neighbors, family, friends, etc aren't exactly who we thought they were (and even the grief we experience when we ourselves realize we're not as "good" as we thought we were, but that's a whole other conversation). It's a loss, even if just temporarily, or even just the threat of loss that I find prevents me from digging in a bit more. I bring this up because I've been wondering if this is compounded by the physical and emotional impact of living in a pandemic. We're so desperate for human connection that jeopardizing those ties (especially to those who we are in regular contact with) feels extra sad. Its something I've been navigating. I don't think there is a "right" answer here, but it's another dynamic that I've been experiencing in addition to what your'e sharing here Tara.
Absolutely this.
I do think Pandemic Stress must compound these emotions. For us, and also for our loved ones who probably feel a different sort of grief on their end.