What has this situation taught you?

[Bearbehind]

Mine are

• Individually, we’re each pretty insignificant
• A lot of day to day shit really doesn’t matter
• There’s somethings that are so far beyond our control it’s pretty much incomprehensible
• There's an awful lot of selfish fuckers out there who think rules don’t apply to them
• There’s an awful lot of people out there who put others before themselves and do what they can to help

That I am much, much happier at home and I need a new job when this is all over.

Just how irrelevant a lot of people's 'very important' careers actually are. And how many people's lives are built on sinking sand.

How important a simple face to face chat is. I am happy to give up holidays, shopping, cafes, restaurants. I'm even ok with staying indoors most of the day. But what I most want to do is just go round my mum/best friend's house for a cup of tea and a hug.

I knew our health workers were amazing but I really am overwhelmed by their compassion and resilience. Such unbelievably selfless people, I feel guilty they are shouldering all of this burden for us and I wish there was more I could do to help.

That I am a complete coward. I always considered myself to be an upstanding, courageous sort but I am pathetic to my very core.

It’s been quite upsetting.

Another thing I’ve learned is that there’s far to many ghoulish, scaremongers out there who achieve nothing but making the situation worse.

But the flip side to that is those who literally put their lives on the line to help others

Talking on the phone is good. Learning IS something worth making time for. Celebrities are pointless.

How ordinary people got behind totalitarian regimes.

That I underestimated just how many entitled, selfish and idiotic tools there are out there. I actually think some people have never grown up. Like, physically they have but maturity wise they're still kids. Just follow the rules ffs.

My school colleagues are even more awesome than I thought. It's like we're in a war at the moment and the camaraderie is awesome.

My milk man 🥛is a legend. He delivers my bread too!!!

I never knew just how damaging self isolating is - I live by myself.

I was right about austerity being ideologically driven. Where did the magic money tree come from all of a sudden?

I'm sure there is more....

That I need to prioritize savings even more for a bigger buffer.
I was so freaking unhappy and burnt out running around constantly on top of work to all the kids hobbies etc.
My kids when forced together actually can get along and make up games together off electronics.
That despite my reputation for being extroverted I'm very much not, more so than I even suspected as I don't mind isolating from people one bit.

1. My DH has gotten really lazy and somehow I’ve let him.
2. I really love cooking and am bloody good at it. Too many quick meals since having DS.
3. My DS is a really good boy.

That I want to return to a scientific career that I left behind.
I really miss it - and all this talk about testing has just reawakened it for me.

I was really making an effort to get out this year and meet new people and do new things. Plus I was going to the gym. I will make that effort again once this is over.

That it was the right decision to stop being a sahm. I hate it

I was right about austerity being ideologically driven. Where did the magic money tree come from all of a sudden?

There is no magic money tree

We’ll be paying for this for years and years

How ordinary people got behind totalitarian regimes.

Oh my god yes!! The speed at which we went from normal life to people wanting to notify the police because their neighbour had been out 3 times that day. The totalitarian streak running through so many people scares me more than the virus.

That everyone is a hypocrite.

From the friend who has been massively vocal against private education/ grammar schools but somehow seems to have got a lockdown private tutor for her children, to the friend who is spouting female solidarity and kinship on her business social media, but is evasive and snippy in her personal friendship groups unless you are the right sort of friend.

That a lot of the stuff I was anxious about before doesn’t have to take over my brain as much as it had been. I’m doing a lot better at the moment.

That I rely on connection with others a lot more than I thought - my closest friends aren’t really chatting much, as they are obviously busy with their own stuff, but it gets to me more than I want it to!

That my eldest is more capable of independent work than I thought (she has LDs)

Another thing I’ve learned is that there’s far to many ghoulish, scaremongers out there who achieve nothing but making the situation worse

This

And an awful lot of them are on the CV threads on MN

To save more money.

To not waste food.

To appreciate the simple things-taking the dc to the farm, swimming etc.

I married well.

It’s our 18th wedding anniversary very soon and we are both really happy in lockdown together.

I don't really like most other people and this is ok.

I intend to be more anti social with people I dislike and concentrate on those I do.

It is amazing how much some people dislike their own children.

It is amazing how easily most people get bored.

People really should pay attention to the news more.

Police roadblocks are now normality.

To be surprised at people’s selfishness and at people’s kindness. That some people absolutely do not thrive under pressure and hate coping with change.
How very quickly I’ve slipped into a passive stay at home routine.

As pp said - we are so adaptable.

We really could cut back on driving, flights, holidaying, buying lots of rubbish that we don't need etc etc to improve the environment and our health if forced to.

You can never stockpile enough gin (or tonic).

My 8 year old had a reading age of 4.75 at the start of the year, now it is 6.25 after 3 months of daily 1 to 1 phonics teaching from me. We are far from finished, but definitely on our way.

I am not a teacher and did not have any clue about phonics when I started. I am amazed what my child has achieved in 3 months.

I have no idea what the school has been doing for the last 3 years. Really making me think about other ways of learning and that school is not the right place for many children. I am not cut out for home Ed. long term and need to work but think I need to be more creative with supporting my child’s learning going forward.

That you need to speak to people more often, even if it’s a text, call or email.

I’ve lost one family member to CV who died on his own this week and we can’t attend the funeral and another who is unlikely to make it past the weekend.

And that people are still selfish bastards who take risks and willingly put themselves at risk and by default the medical teams and their families who treat them.

My job is dealing with very money centric people and I’ve lost perspective and patience as a result and need to rewind my life back 15 years to the career a wanted and had but had to change when I become a single parent.