Aside from the dying…And possibly the crying and the lying, is this not a dream come true? For all of us anti-social introverts like me, that is. Of course, I jest. Well, sort of.
I have never been a butterfly, not a social one, at least. Although, I have gone through a transformation or two in my life. I have also transformed to blend into my surroundings quite often. A tactic to fly under the radar and go unnoticed, though I suppose, that is more like a chameleon than a butterfly.
Whatever critter I un-poetically juxtapose my existence and liken it to is beyond the point of which I write. What is the point? Well, the fact of the matter is that I have been practicing social distancing most of life, although I have never heard that term until this current pandemic. Why have I been doing such a thing? Because I don’t like you and suppose you don’t like me either. I assume you think I am an ass as I do you. Although it can be true, it isn’t always fact. So here I am, forced to do, one of the things that I do best; live anti-socially. Super!
Except, I do not like being told what to do. As a matter of fact, when I am told to do anything, I prefer to do the opposite. But I don’t. That, of course would draw attention and force me into a social interaction of which I do not care to partake in.
The reality is, people like me have practiced social distancing for years. We just didn’t know there was a term for it. People called it shy, introverted, quiet, and anti-social. Not to mentions the more descriptive words like, “jerk”, “asshole”, “weirdo”, to name a few. We did this whether we were conscious of it or not. It’s what we do. I would much rather have a conversation in my head or participate in my incessant day dreaming than converse with you. No offense, really. It’s not (usually) anything personal.
All this just might raise the question: “why did you buy a retail restaurant?” It’s a very good question. One that I have asked myself over and over, quite possibly on a daily basis, since my wife and I did such a thing. After all these years of perfecting the art of introversion and isolation and I go buy a restaurant. Crazy, I know.
For many years I have loved to cook, bake, and create delicious and unique food. I even started a side hustle and for years people would say, especially my daughter, “you should really open a restaurant.” I would always confidently say “no way, I don’t want to deal with people.” But I did it anyway and I began to learn a new art; the art of conversing and socializing. I have actually been slowly removing the outer anti-social layers for may years now and just as I am starting feel more comfortable with all you people out in the real world you start showing up with masks, gloves, and money in a sealed envelopes and let’s not forget about the carload of toilet paper. That a way to make me want to socialize. That makes me want to run. Run far away and retreat into my comforting daydreams.
Oh, wait. That is what I have to do. That is what I am forced to do. So here I am forced to do what has kept me from you all these years. I must socially distance myself. At least now I have an excuse so you can’t call me a jerk or an asshole or a weirdo, right? Besides, I’m not the one shopping for groceries in a mask and snorkel.
All joking aside, we are in strange times and a little light-hearted humor is good. I am not happy about this, but I am grateful that the pie shop is “essential” so we can continue to operate and help feed our community and pay our bills at the same time. Of course, we are using extra precaution to follow all the guidelines for social distancing to keep workers and customers safe. Please understand I am not making light of or undermining what social distancing is during our current crisis. I do believe it is imperative to follow the guidelines and stay safe.
But please allow me to get back to my social distancing life for a moment to wrap this up…
I really do not hate people, at least not all of them. Indeed, I am quiet and shy, at least until I get to know you, but I am not a jerk, asshole, or weirdo, most of the time. Of course I can be, but the true art of social distancing for me has nothing to with physical space or introversion. It has to do with letting go of what you think of me; distancing myself from the opinions, beliefs, and judgment of others. It is accepting me for whom and what I am. I am an introvert. I am a daydreamer. I am not the most social or socially acceptable person and I am ok with that. I do not need anyone’s approval to be ok these days.
I am who I am and I like who I am…
Be safe. Be healthy. Be happy!
Talk Soon,
Kevin W @LEAP272
Owner-Operator
You have to leap if you want to live
LeapBlog 