Why would I ever leave my house again? (Do I have Stockholm Syndrome?)
covid19 · 13 comments · 500 words · Viewed ~612 times.
How are you enjoying lockdown, gang? I think I'm coping well. Perhaps a little too well…
I was having virtual-drinks with some friends, when one of them said "How many people just aren't going to want to go back to commuting after this?"
I've always been a bit of a homebody. I work from home a few days a week, so the latest shift hasn't been too disruptive.
I used to do all my shopping online. Groceries and gadgets all arrived by courier. So no change there.
All my media is electronic - books, games, films, TV. It's generally quicker and cheaper that way.
My parents are tech savvy - so video conferencing with them is easy. My in-laws live in New Zealand, so Skype was already a well established routine.
I don't exercise as much as I should - but we have a elliptical machine, a bench, a yoga mat, and a couple of weights.
There are loads of takeaways near us. If we don't feel like cooking, we can outsource that responsibility occasionally.
In the last month, I honestly can't think of much that I've missed by not going out.
Being aware of my privilege
- No kids, thankfully! I can't imagine how my friends with Munchkins are coping.
- We're a cohabiting couple. While we sometimes bicker, we're not lonely.
- Our home has enough space for an office each, and a gym.
- We can both cook, and have plenty of pantry and freezer space.
- My hair doesn't need cutting.
- Supportive employers! Both Liz and I work for organisations which are comfortable with home working and provided us with a modest budget to improve our offices.
- A big TV, a decent surround sound system, and 300Mbps broadband.
- Our garden is small concrete patch, but private. We don't have any "green" space, but at least we can get fresh air and a tan.
- We've already seen the world. This is the big one, I guess. I've travelled all around the world - and while there's loads more I want to see, I'm fairly accepting of how difficult that might be in the future.
What I don't miss
Going to the pub. It's noisy, expensive, the toilets are a fucking state, and the music is shite.
Going to the theatre. It's expensive, the seats are cramped and uncomfortable, there's always a numpty who can't mute their phone, and the queues for the loo are ridiculous.
Going on holiday. It's expensive, the seats on the plane are cramped and uncomfortable, as are the aircraft toilets.
Commuting to work. It's expensive, the seats are cramped and uncomfortable (if you can even get a seat), there's always a numpty playing music on their speakerphone, and the toilets are a fucking state.
What I miss
Nothing. The outside world holds no appeal for me now.
Šime Vidas says:
mike says:
mike says: