2020 and now 2021 have been challenging to say the least. The world has gone through such radical changes to keep us all healthy and safe during this crazy time. However, all the new regulations like staying six feet apart, not gathering in large groups and even wearing masks has become somewhat of second nature, and it almost feels weird not to have these rules in place. There is one thing in particular that has changed, too, and it is something that has been on my mind for a while now: seeing the second half of people’s faces! Now I know it sounds crazy, but I have to ask you to hear me out.
Since the pandemic began, I have started two new jobs at my university to help with my expenses, and with these new jobs I have met new people/coworkers. I spend hours a day with the same several people week after week only seeing the bridge of their nose and up. One day, when a coworker took a sip from her water bottle was I only able to get a glimpse of her full face. It felt so funny to me-in my mind I had created a different version of their face. Seeing her real face was just so crazy, and it got me thinking.
I can walk down the street and never really see anyone because of the mask, I cannot even watch TV without being caught off guard by not seeing crowds of people spaced by six feet and wearing masks everywhere they go. I find it so humorous just how many ways the pandemic has taken over our lives even in the tiniest, most minute ways.
This concept of not really knowing someone’s face is not something I have just noticed. When talking with coworkers and friends, they experience the same phenomenon! One guy had no idea that a person he worked with had a full mustache! This pandemic keeps finding ways to get crazier and crazier, but at least I am not alone in these crazy feelings. Whether it is only knowing a person from the eyes up, meeting a whole team of people for the first time online, dating over Zoom, etc. This is a new era of socializing, meeting and seeing new people. I only hope that I can soon meet new people and see their ENTIRE face, but until then I guess it is just going to be a guessing game!