I came of age in the 90s and early 00s which I am very thankful for. We used to have parties, some of them we called “sessions” and had a great time enjoying each other’s company. We built bonds and friendships. We “talked” and got to know each other before getting serious. We went on actual dates. We didn’t have to prove anything to social media to have fun and feel loved. We also had really good music and a beautiful culture.
It was exciting and relaxing and everyone just showed love towards each other. I believe that some things are so precious. Like togetherness, love, and decency. Understanding how valuable other good people are, and that you should be good to others.
Because I think many people are realizing how important it is to have other decent people to talk to and heal with at this crucial time.
Social Media
I think that maybe the prevalence of social media has been a huge culprit in how disconnected we have become as a society. People are constantly looking at their phones and not looking at, responding to, or showing love to the people who are right there in the room. The people who could care about you and/or who you should care about. And despite people’s phone addictions, you are still lucky if you can get a text back!
Some are so concerned about what Twitter or Instagram folks are talking about, but too busy to respond to a family member or friend who is going through tough times. And somehow, we have normalized this behavior.
Hurt People Hurt People (Or At Least Try To)
Let’s be clear. A lot of people are miserable and hurt. Mean and selfish. I have witnessed people throw their trash out the window of their cars as if the world is their trash can. I have had the displeasure of watching how white supremacists act when they don’t get their way. It was displayed on my TV like it was a fictional program. I’ve seen people speeding like they have no sense when they really don’t even have anywhere important to go. Speeding up to stop signs.
I have seen people refuse to wear a mask properly amidst a pandemic that has cost a half a million lives. I have seen people treat healthcare workers like crap, even the ones who truly go above and beyond to help. Yes, it’s their job. They are heroines and heros, yet they are still human. They are people and they go through difficult things just like anyone else.
Some people want to spread their negativity to other people because they are terrified of being alone. Misery loves company. They can’t imagine the possibility of simply being a good person to others, maybe because they’ve never seen it in childhood and beyond.
But we cannot let that energy consume us. We have to be better than that.
If you can, watch the movie Ink with a close eye. Understand the message about negative people who refuse to treat others with respect and love.
Getting Better
It’s not hopeless. There is hope for a brighter day. But it’s up to us to make things better. We must transition back to love, togetherness, and decency. Simple things like caring about one another. Responding when people call, especially if they are experiencing difficulties in life. Looking after Mother Nature and the environment in whatever way we can. Reading inspiring books, podcasts, and other media that will encourage us and help us as well as the world in general.
This is important and this is how we can get through this time.
Love Lynn
Lynn Gilliard is the author of a popular relationship guide entitled Let Him Chase YOU. Her latest book Sing While You’re Single offers advice to women who want to remain single for the time being while still maintaining their belief in the power and possibility of love.