Life will be different to what we are expecting after Covid

For many people the euphoria of opening up might not be as magical as it is being portrayed, writes Jim Duffy

Let me ask you a serious question. What kind of person will you be when lockdown fully ends and a new “normal” begins?

As human beings we develop all the time as we grow older. We start off life with little or no wisdom, then it starts to mature within us.

By our 50s, we are supposed to be wiser, more street savvy and able to look at the world through a more reasoned, sophisticated lens. Our tastes also become more refined.

When I was young, I didn’t like mushrooms, asparagus and red wine. Now, I can’t get enough of all three.

Our attitude to people also changes as we are drawn to certain types that stimulate us or makes us feel comfortable in who we are.

But, I fear the last 12 months has changed me and many of you so much so that the excitement, expectation and euphoria of opening up might not be as magical as it is being portrayed.

During lockdown our habits have changed. Spending more time indoors with the same surroundings and routines has had an impact on how we prepare to live the day from the moment we get up.

So many people, from those already retired to those on furlough, have got out of the routine of getting up, grabbing breakfast and heading out into the big wide world.

Consequently, we have slowed down. The rush to action is no longer there. So, when we ‘open up’, just how willing will we be to jump out of bed and burst through the front door into the rain?

If we are being honest, maybe that feels a bit scary just now. And as for socialising…

Let’s look at pubs and restaurants. These venues will be rammed to the gunnels with super-excited, exuberant types swigging lager like there is no tomorrow.

You know who I mean. The “extroverts” as characterised by Myers-briggs, who love people, love chatting loudly and generally being a nuisance to us more quiet types. These fun-loving characters will be swinging from the rafters, over-compensating for 12 months of lockdown.

I don’t think it will bring them any more joy as they over-indulge and over-do it.

But, the thought of sharing a busy restaurant with them sends shivers down my spine even more so as I have been in “solitary confinement” for the last year.

And I bet many of you will feel the same way perhaps like a prisoner who has spent three years in jail and gets released. One minute you’re institutionalised, the next out in a busy street with new sounds, smells and sights.

Then there is going to be the huge rush to go on holiday. Oh my God! I can envisage it now at Glasgow or Edinburgh airports. Queues round the blocks as the airports will not have ramped up their staff enough.

Bars in the airport jammed packed with pints of lager and Bacardi and cokes being doubled up like no-one’s business. Weans will be running around also feeling free and being louder than usual.

The planes themselves will be sing-a-longs, bevvy galore and huge cheers when they hear “ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Alicante airport”.