So with the easing of restrictions, I met some friends and family in their back gardens, observing social distance of course.
We’d kept in touch via Zoom, which was good but just not the same. It’s hard to read body language, we’ve got to focus more, and it’s more difficult to take turns in talking without interrupting. So the joy of just seeing my friends physically again was amazing.
Are we over the worst of it?
I was so happy and content that maybe we’re over the worse of it. Three of my friends have lost parents, with two of them, not able to be with their parent in their last hours because of the nursing home restrictions. We could not go to the funerals. It is just such so cruel and contrary to everything that is good about our Irish way of sharing and comforting each other in the sorrow of death.
We got drenched
The first day we all met, the heavens opened and rain soaked us as we sat under umbrellas. Still we sat there listening and talking in the rain. It was like we’d been starved of something vital. Relaxed and enjoying the intense physical presence of people we love around us. No alcohol drink involved. I came away feeling high and happy. A memory that will stay with me for a long time.
We need human connection with friends
As human beings, we’re hardwired from our very first moments as babies to connect with other people. The tragic case of Genie a young baby maltreated, locked away and denied human contact for years shows how important human connection is to our development
Alcohol kills human connection
If our only connection to people is alcohol drinking sessions, it’s not the real vital emotional connection we so badly need. If we only ever meet with family and friends when drink is involved, we’re not getting the nourishment we need. Worse as Lucy found when she stopped drinking, she found she had nothing in common with her drinking buddies.
Meeting people without drinking
There’s no doubt in Ireland, it’s difficult to socialise without drink. But with alcohol increasing our risk of contracting COVID19 maybe now is a good time so to tell friends, you’re reducing your drinking, so you reduce your risk. And if your friends have a problem with this, we’ve lots of suggestions to help. Click here and here
