I couldn’t help but think recently about the people I know whose lives revolve around social activities – out of their homes. Every day they share a new Facebook post – or five – from cocktail parties, gallery openings, gala dinners with friends, shows, concerts, charity and awards dinners.
And their trips! They crisscross the globe at a dizzying pace, as if staying home would make them disappear. Forgotten forever.
They must have intense withdrawal symptoms during quarantine.
I emailed one friend like this – a man in his late ‘70s – who had been on a non-stop social whirl since I met him about five decades ago.
“I hope you’re doing ok at home. I know how much you enjoy going out,” I wrote.
“BC (not her real name) and I are still in love (notice the word “still”), so I don’t mind the quarantine at all,” he responded.
BC, BTW, is also in her 70s. A long-time friend before becoming his partner four years ago – she was the woman this man’s dying wife hoped would fill the void in his life.
And, she has. What a lucky couple.
MORAL OF THE STORY: WHEN A VIRUS PREVENTS A SOCIAL BUTTERFLY FROM TAKING FLIGHT, HOME AND LOVE MAKE A PERFECT COCOON.