The title says so much more that the simple wording.
Used to be that in a few places we expected to be reduced to jut a number. Post Office lines, Motor vehicle department, pretty much all government lines, military, to name just some.
However in this year of Corona/Covid/SARS-Cov2,the last being the real name, we have progressively been pushed through the steps of face masks, social distancing, closing businesses, shutting churches, banks only drive thru and online. large businesses limited to number in attendance all intended to slow the spread of the virus.
We all have gotten used to the Social Distancing while having our faces hidden by masks or other coverings. We now shop online or sit in our cars waiting to have our needs dropped off.
If we go into stores we rarely say Hi or interact with others, just store staff and that rarely.
Family & close friends are in many ways absent, many are fearful of the virus to the point of avoiding others and even wear the mask alone in cars or when walking. Many people are doing the bidding of the Health Directives placed on us to keep us safe. Some very few not.
With a mask voices are muffled, facial features are hidden, and the person is minimized.
The result of all this is we in many ways are just a number.
This can be mitigated if we take the effort to talk clearer to those near us. Be social, but safe, and above all else listen.
Listening to someone gives them the opportunity to open up.
Listening quietly gives them the opening to Share. Being quiet while listening then the speaker fills the silence with their words.
Often we hear that ¨Caring is Sharing¨ and listening to someone quietly is caring for them.
Be Safe; Be Healthy but care for others and they will care for you.
My Odyssey with Cancers 