But I think the words social distancing are steering us in the wrong direction. Were not really trying to create social distance from each other? Not exactly. No one is asking us to stop calling, texting, or Zooming our friends and relatives. We dont have to stop sending cards, letters, or even masks and tp through the mail, and we can still interact with the people we live with. We just need to stop sharing the viruses we carry, including the coronavirus that causes Covid-19.
I am just finishing up a 14-day self-isolation period, along with the other faculty and the 60 some students that were part of our Study Abroad program in Italy. Instead of spending Spring Break in Europe we are exchanging pictures, jokes, online toasts and movie recommendations. When this is all over, we plan to have a potluck dinner so we can try the Italian recipes we have been collecting. This isnt the way we wanted our trip to end, but friendships forged during stressful times can be particularly close and long-lasting.
So lets start calling this Physical Distancing, not Social Distancing. Touch isnt the only way we can connect with each other.