Previous Social Distancing

We don’t like each other very much. That is why crying about social distancing is so hypocritical. Hell! We don’t even like each other in the house but can’t do anything about it because of one bathroom.

Before social distancing, we cringed when the elevator stopped to pick up somebody. It was worse in the morning because we stood there, packed like sardines.

We consciously or unconsciously distanced ourselves from other humans long before COVID-19.

1. Planes. We jumped for joy when the two other seats in our row were empty.

2. Public transport. We put gym or grocery bags on bus and train seats. Most people opt for peace. They just stand and not say a word.

3. On the bus, we get irritated with a woman with four kids because we think it is a ‘big’ family, that will somehow reduce the air we breathe.

4. Restaurants. We demand a table for four, order a green salad and hog it for two hours, poking our digital armaments.

5. Health centers. We get irritated when someone else enters to use the sauna.

I would understand if you beg to differ because we are very close during the summer. There are open door concerts, swimming in the city pool, volleyball on the beach or public park, and flying to sunny countries for crowded beaches.

Point taken, but it does not mean we love people. It shows that the sun is the cementing element, forcing us to be together because we cannot monopolize it, like seats on the bus.

By: Nonqaba waka Msimang.