What’s most important to you right now? 

I feel like I was on the go so much with my jobs that I never took the time to relax for myself and spend time doing nothing. I’m getting to spend a lot of time with my boyfriend, so that’s really special. We’re spending a ton of time together that we wouldn’t ordinarily spend. It’s a shitty circumstance, but what are you gonna do. 

What was most important to you before you had to social distance? 

Human contact; my friends, my family. I’m a social person, so it’s taken a toll on me. 

What’s the first thing you’ll do when this is over? 

My birthday was April 2nd. I’m standardly known for throwing quite a big party, so this was a bummer; it was my 30th. I think I’m going to throw a big party and invite everybody and drink a lot, sing a lot, dance a lot, and take pictures!

What are you doing to pass the time? 

I just moved into this apartment a year ago, so I’ve been organizing. I painted the entire apartment myself. I can’t believe I did it! I’ve never painted anything before, so it was really an undertaking. I’ve been FaceTiming a lot with people. Trying to contact unemployment, which has been an enormous chunk of my time. And Animal Crossing. 

What makes you happy right now?

Spending time with my boyfriend. I see so many people on social media that are single, and I just wonder how they’re getting through this. I don’t think I would be miserable, but I think it would be much harder. Being able to correspond with people makes me happy. Being able to treat myself to things that comfort me without feeling ashamed of how I’m handling the stress. You’ve got to be gentle with yourself during this whole thing. I think people are feeling like they need to come out of quarantine with a six pack, and I don’t think that’s necessary at this time. Everything is so fragile. 

What would you tell yourself three months ago with the knowledge you have today? 

Don’t cancel your Costco membership. 

Don’t put yourself down when you should be lifting yourself up. Do what you can, and don’t compare yourself to anybody else. It’s a difficult time and everybody is going to take this in their own way. We’re all doing our best to get by, as always, and now is no different. Keep doing what you’re doing, and don’t feel so guilty about finding joy in things you might not ordinarily find joy in. If you want to play Animal Crossing for sixteen hours on the couch, that should be okay. 

Morgan A-New Jersey

DAY 56