I visited our local fish and chip shop yesterday, a pay day treat for the Black clan. And while you might think society is returning to normal, walk into any shop or business and you can see that this is clearly not the case. Social distancing is here and it’s here to stay. Be that shopping for groceries, filling the car with diesel or ordering two bags of chips, a cheeseburger and eight chicken goujouns. Oh, and not forgetting the carton of gravy sauce.
We are Stephen and Fionnuala and this is our story. We live in Northern Ireland, have been married for 17 years and have three kids - Adam, Hannah and Rebecca.
We hope that our story will inspire and encourage others. We have walked a rocky road yet here we are today, together and stronger than ever. We are far from perfect and our faith has been battered and bruised.
But an untested faith is a pointless faith. Just as a fractured faith is better than none at all.
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35 thoughts on “Social Distancing – Here To Stay? – Part One”
While out walking I find it very disconcerting when an approaching person moves to the opposite side of the track to walk by. It’s as if I’m an outcast or criminal and people don’t want to come anywhere near me (almost like I might have some disease!) They still say “bonjour” of course, which makes it a little more comforting, but I long for the days when we can pass by like the good old days!
Social distancing is the norm in my country now (Malaysia). I don’t have any problems with it, but that makes me wonder if I’ll ever be able to return to my hobby, which is martial arts, because it requires lots of physical contact.
We are so very, VERY lucky here in NZ. We had a severe five week lockdown. No contact whatsoever except medical and some supermarkets. Still TOTAL lockdown of borders. Today, our population of 5 million is allowed to gather for the first time in 10 weeks (only 10 weeks) of groups up to 100. After 3 weeks of up to 10. Compulsory contact tracing. 22 deaths. 8 active cases nationwide. #liberalgovernment. #blessed. Love to you all ❤
Personally, I don’t mind. I was food shopping once and a woman was mounding her items right on top of mine. When I tried to pay with my card, she was right in my space. I told her that unless she planned on paying for my groceries, she needed to step back a bit. I appreciate space.
I don’t mind the social distancing in the states, but I feel like there are a growing number of people who don’t wear masks and who don’t care, at least from what I see. This may be a bias perception of mine, but I feel like it’s definitely there.
Just the other day, a couple of people were cutting down a tree in my neighbor’s yard and one of them came up to me (no mask, etc.) wanting to pass on a business card. Had to do a quick no thanks.
I think if everyone did it, it would be awesome! Because I’m in the vulnerable category, I mostly stay in. I avoid places with long lines and stores with people walking about. I used to think I was a great online shopper. Now I’ve become even greater!
I’m married to a man whose entire career was as an infectious disease specialist. We’ve done social distancing much longer than the beginning of the mandate. I know more than I should so it’s here to stay for us for the foreseeable future. I avoid those who don’t comply but don’t try to shame them. I can only be responsible for my own actions and pray for their health and survival. I’m choosing to keep my humanity despite the tests😏
I used to enjoy grocery shopping. Now, it’s just such a dreadful chore. Also, I had wanted to visit my dad this summer in another state. He’s 99 now. To get there would be complicated now. How can we drive there when we would need to stop in various places along the way? I would not want to bring something so unwanted with me. Also, my daughter lives in Germany and may not be able to come home this summer. I’m not depressed. There is so much to be grateful for. Thank God my dad is alive and doing well. But at the same time, I find myself getting snippy with people sometimes.
Yes, I wonder if it tastes the same. Here the fish is usually cod but sometimes halibut is offered if in season. Some of the restaurants are starting to open their outdoor seating areas, I’ll have to get some soon..
For me social distancing isn’t a problem. Im an introvert, so it doesn’t bother me. The hard part, is being around family 24/7 for extended periods of time can( since late March ) with usual breaks of work and school not being there. Its hard because you are together, cooped up , in each other’s space. It requires Grace.
Black Thoughts 
While out walking I find it very disconcerting when an approaching person moves to the opposite side of the track to walk by. It’s as if I’m an outcast or criminal and people don’t want to come anywhere near me (almost like I might have some disease!) They still say “bonjour” of course, which makes it a little more comforting, but I long for the days when we can pass by like the good old days!
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Yes. It’s as if we smell lol
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I don’t have a problem with social distancing one bit.
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Nor me 🙂
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Social distancing is the norm in my country now (Malaysia). I don’t have any problems with it, but that makes me wonder if I’ll ever be able to return to my hobby, which is martial arts, because it requires lots of physical contact.
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I think you will Stuart. Hopefully soon.
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We are so very, VERY lucky here in NZ. We had a severe five week lockdown. No contact whatsoever except medical and some supermarkets. Still TOTAL lockdown of borders. Today, our population of 5 million is allowed to gather for the first time in 10 weeks (only 10 weeks) of groups up to 100. After 3 weeks of up to 10. Compulsory contact tracing. 22 deaths. 8 active cases nationwide. #liberalgovernment. #blessed. Love to you all ❤
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Thank you. NZ has set the standard for the rest of the world.
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Personally, I don’t mind. I was food shopping once and a woman was mounding her items right on top of mine. When I tried to pay with my card, she was right in my space. I told her that unless she planned on paying for my groceries, she needed to step back a bit. I appreciate space.
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Yeah. There are people like that in Northern Ireland as well 😐
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As I’m a totally shy introvert with anxiety problems, social distancing means everyone keeps away from me. I’m loving it.
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I’m a little like that as well lol
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I don’t mind the social distancing in the states, but I feel like there are a growing number of people who don’t wear masks and who don’t care, at least from what I see. This may be a bias perception of mine, but I feel like it’s definitely there.
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Just the other day, a couple of people were cutting down a tree in my neighbor’s yard and one of them came up to me (no mask, etc.) wanting to pass on a business card. Had to do a quick no thanks.
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Unbelievable 😮
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I think it’s more than a perception. The figures don’t lie unfortunately.
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Yeah. We were out yesterday running some errands and realized we were one of the few with masks on. Oi vey.
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I think if everyone did it, it would be awesome! Because I’m in the vulnerable category, I mostly stay in. I avoid places with long lines and stores with people walking about. I used to think I was a great online shopper. Now I’ve become even greater!
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Yes. Although I only buy books myself online. Fionnuala is an expert though 🙂
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The saddest thing about this for me is that people don’t even smile at each other anymore as if the virus transmits through greeting.
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It’s a necessary evil at present.
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I’m married to a man whose entire career was as an infectious disease specialist. We’ve done social distancing much longer than the beginning of the mandate. I know more than I should so it’s here to stay for us for the foreseeable future. I avoid those who don’t comply but don’t try to shame them. I can only be responsible for my own actions and pray for their health and survival. I’m choosing to keep my humanity despite the tests😏
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Your attitude to such people is commendable 🙂
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It’s surprising how many of us are natural social distancers – I also am not having a problem with it. Stephen, what are chicken goujouns?
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A bit like chicken nuggets? But longer?
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I used to enjoy grocery shopping. Now, it’s just such a dreadful chore. Also, I had wanted to visit my dad this summer in another state. He’s 99 now. To get there would be complicated now. How can we drive there when we would need to stop in various places along the way? I would not want to bring something so unwanted with me. Also, my daughter lives in Germany and may not be able to come home this summer. I’m not depressed. There is so much to be grateful for. Thank God my dad is alive and doing well. But at the same time, I find myself getting snippy with people sometimes.
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It must be frustrating for you. Hopefully your family can all be together for his 100th birthday 🙂
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I’m not excited about social distancing but now I’m hungry for some fish and chips.
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Do you get that where you live?
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Yes, I wonder if it tastes the same. Here the fish is usually cod but sometimes halibut is offered if in season. Some of the restaurants are starting to open their outdoor seating areas, I’ll have to get some soon..
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Cod here. Battered cod.
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I only go out when I really need too. I wear a mask.
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That’s very sensible.
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For me social distancing isn’t a problem. Im an introvert, so it doesn’t bother me. The hard part, is being around family 24/7 for extended periods of time can( since late March ) with usual breaks of work and school not being there. Its hard because you are together, cooped up , in each other’s space. It requires Grace.
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Yes. And inordinate amounts of patience lol
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