The pandemic has taken plenty away from me: general socialisation, the chance to see friends and family back home, the opportunity to travel, and so on. But I count myself lucky, because I’m surviving ok – I’m pretty happy in my bubble, I’ve been able to work without the hassle of the commute, and I’m in the wrong age group to constantly need to go out on the town.
But I can’t help thinking how it might have been, in another place, in another time.
Because if this thing had hit when I was 19 and about to start university, the repercussions would have felt far more onerous. Back then I was living at home, but out every other night. They were some of the best younger years of my life. I had university to keep me occupied, I had a disposable income from a part time job, and I had my eyes set on a clear goal – securing the prime spot on the podium at the night clubs I frequented. It was such a carefree, charmed time.
Fast forward ten or so years and I imagine the consequences of Covid, had it hit the year I quit my job to go on my first solo travelling adventure. Coming out of a break up with a feeling of stagnation in my life, this is one of the years that truly shaped me to grow as a person and become who I am today. What if that hadn’t happened?
Or how about a few years hence when I embarked on my next solo travelling adventure and met my future husband. Where would I be today if not for that?
None of it would have destroyed me. In fact, I wouldn’t have even known what I was missing. But it would have changed me. I would have led a different life. I’ve heard people say they feel like they’ve lost their last chance at finding love and having children, with the opportunities of meeting people fewer and far between. On the other hand, I have a couple of friends who have found love during this time, after being single for years. Did Covid have an impact? It’s possible.
I’ve been a good girl. I’ve always followed the Covid rules. I’ve had that luxury. And when we came out of lockdown, I didn’t rush out to the pub or club to make up for lost time. But I can’t help thinking that it would be a different story if I was 19 years old. It would be different if I was single and looking for love. Even in my happy bubble, who knows where I would have gone and what I would have done if not for Covid.
I guess all we can do, is keep hoping that the vaccination numbers rise, the hospital numbers fall, and all those missed opportunities come back to meet us two fold in the future! Stay safe out there, and if you have the chance, go jump on a podium and have a dance for me.
an aussie in austria 
An interesting thought experiment! I guess these times have occurred for the present day 19 year olds and have set them on a different path. I would’ve missed the uni bar times and generally hanging around in the sun on campus but as you say, might be none the wiser. I feel like I have 2 years of goals, travel and events to live once we’re out and I hope I’m not the only one in this boat!
Ah the uni bars… and hanging around in the sun on campus… those were the days! Takes me back. I think everyone is now starting to think seriously of the things they missed and hopefully like you say some of them can be lived, not just passed by because the moment is gone!
I have so much fear how crazy it’s going to get with everyone about to live out all the things they wanted to do but didn’t get to!
Yeah you see it just after lockdown how crazy everything gets with people making up for lost time. I guess everyone’s homes will be empty and all the travelling spots will be chock-a-block!