Crawling out of Hibernation

Photograph of a spring scene - snow slow to leave

While Spring very slowly reveals itself in my part of the world (up until just days ago we were getting snow and temperatures below freezing), I too am slowly revealing myself.

Winter is a time of hibernation for many species. A hunkering down, all fattened up, tucked away to await warmer, brighter days. While I didn’t hide away from the elements of winter (daily dog-walking prevented that!), I – along with many others – was limiting my human interactions. With the pandemic and all associated isolation recommendations, my little family wasn’t getting a lot of socialization. At times, even our connections with family were sadly limited.  Now, things seem to be turning and we are permitted to meet corporately, masks voluntary. I never thought I’d care that much about seeing the lower half of people’s faces, but wow is it a treat! 

Along with getting to both hear people clearly (less mask-muffling), and see their full expressions, it seems many have the same itch as me to interact again. My husband and I have had the joy of two family birthday gatherings, a few meals at friends’ homes, and some hosted at ours, and a tea party (that was an invite just for me!). These times have been very fulfilling for me; having lacked them so long, I am more grateful for them.

Though I grew up in a very hospitable household, I am not a chef and find food preparations stressful, unlike my Kitchen Master Mom. My parents are a dynamo team for hosting guests. My mom cooks up spectacular meals whilst my Dad regales the company with entertaining stories/jokes, or deep intellectual discussions (depending on the guests). Growing up in this environment, I helped in the kitchen as a sous chef and am quite adept at mashing potatoes, chopping vegetables and stirring gravy. Therefore my cooking “skills” (or lack thereof) have been often been a hindrance to me inviting people over for a meal. I’m gradually improving at acknowledge my limitations, keeping to a basic menu, letting guests bring a dish if they want, and not fussing over a feast.

This is a proverb I believe holds true: “Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.” What’s wonderful about reconnecting with family and friends over a meal is that in addition to “peace” I’ve found there is often a good deal of laughter and happiness, especially in this Spring of Socialization.

Recently I learned of a concern for students who began their college and university studies in this bizarre time of pandemic lock-downs and online learning. Some students have a greater risk aversion than ever, having not really venturing outside in two years. Now that they are free to, they are fearful to do so – let alone to be together with others. How horrible to think what might be missed due to fear! Another anecdote that I came across from a puppy owner was that she was told by a Veterinarian that he felt it was more important for her to socialize her puppy (even before it was fully vaccinated), rather than to wait until it was. Apparently the window of time in which to get a puppy well socially adjusted, accustomed to other dogs and people, is small. Missing that window can set the dog up for a lifetime of needless stress, fear, intimidation, and maybe even aggression towards those beyond its immediate circle. I don’t know if humans are the same, and I don’t mean to jump down a rabbit hole here. I’m just realizing increasingly that there is tremendous value in coming together socially, connecting, sharing, interacting, and living.

Even if you’re an introvert who hates cooking (like me), I can attest to the value of getting together – even over a simple cup of tea and cookie – with another person (it doesn’t have to be an intimidating throng). In-person chats are such a delight and are more fulfilling than an online visit via Facetime or Zoom (or whatever your app of choice). Those are wonderful tools for connecting where distance makes “in-person” impossible; but if someone lives nearby, it’s worth the effort to meet face to face.

I hope you are able, and willing, to join me in creeping out of social hibernation to thaw and be re-energized with some wonderful human interaction this Spring. If I can do it, you can too!

Being social again is important - even for humans - and can involve some tasty snacks!