These days, everything is new and confusing. Everyday there is more information being thrown at us about the virus; there are always new guidance and social distancing rules to follow. It can be super overwhelming, and a lot to take in. It is especially important today to be kind to ourselves under all of this pressure. But, I think it is easy to forget that we need to use the same rules when we consider others. I don’t know if it’s just me, but all over Twitter, Instagram, you name it, I see people judging one another. People post stories about “stupid people” they see wearing masks, or not wearing them; whatever happens to be the recommendation for that week.
It is super important to promote good and healthy safety practices, don’t get me wrong! But you have to think about it this way: most of us have never seen anything like this pandemic in our lives. Most of us aren’t scientists, so no, maybe some people don’t know the best way to use and wear gloves. It is completely OK to offer helpful advice to encourage others to develop better practices, but we must watch the way we broadcast our messages. We must show compassion; we’re all just doing the best we can in the midst of an extremely unique and very scary situation. Reading a Facebook post about what mask to wear does not make you an expert, and does not put you in a position to scold and lecture people that may not have access to the same information you do.
Lastly, don’t judge others for how they’re coping with the pandemic in general. Maybe they’re being productive to help pass the time, and maybe for someone else, it’s all they can do to get outside for a walk. We all process and react to situations in unique ways, and there shouldn’t be a standard that we compare ourselves to see if we’re doing it “right” or “wrong.” In addition, it’s important that you check up on your friends, but also give them space. Some people might not have the emotional availability to react the way you expect during these circumstances. Don’t take it personally, but let that person know you’re always available.
In the end, we can only do our best. Help one another and guide each other, but do it with a heart full of compassion, not judgement.