thoughtcatalog--2020-03-17--21+ Tips For Working From Home During Coronavirus Quarantine

We scoured the web and discovered the best work from home tips to help you stay productive during the COIVD-19 outbreak .
With coronavirus running rampant throughout the world , many countries have taken proactive measures to quarantine its citizens .
As a result of these quarantines , you may have found yourself working from home instead of partaking in your usual office routine .
While it might be nice to avoid your daily commute , working remotely can really throw you off of your groove .
Here are tips that will help you maintain your productivity and adjust your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Start the day the same way “ First thing I learned was that I needed to start the day the same way I would if I was going into the office : shower , get dressed , eat breakfast , and act like I was going to work .
That put me in the mindset of ‘ work ’ versus the mindset of ‘ oh man , I ’ m at home on a computer !
’ ” — usernamesarethebane “ Waking up and starting your morning routine .
Wake up , shower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and change out of your pajamas !
I find that the longer I stay in my pajamas the less likely any work will get done.
” —hiimem Get out of your pajamas and sweatpants “ Get dressed every day , and by that I mean dress for work .
Even go so far as to put on slacks and a dress shirt , if that ’ s your game .
It was hard to do , and requires discipline , but that worked for me for the time I was self employed.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misconception is that we sit around in PJ ’ s .
We don ’ t and its better for your mental health not to.
” – r/ireland “ Getting dressed is a HUGE thing .
I get into my work yoga pants , washed face.. sometimes make up , hair done brushed .
I treat it like I have someone coming over or somewhere to go and want to look presentable… my neighbor started working from home , I tried to give her tips..
I rarely see her outside anymore and I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask again about keto !
GET OUT OF THEM PJ ’ S !
!
!
!
You don ’ t want to feel frumpy and lazy.
” —caffeine_iv_stat “ The more you communicate , even about mundane things that you think aren ’ t important , the more you convey your value to your employer .
I email , Lync , and call all throughout the day.
” — usernamesarethebane “ What I do find that is absolutely imperative is communication .
So much information disseminated over the cubicle walls that you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the loop on your remote.
” – fnordcircle “ If you don ’ t already , set up an end of week report for your supervisor .
You can detail the high level stuff that you worked on , and get credit for the work you ’ ve done.
” — usernamesarethebane Learn when you are most productive “ Once you are tracking your time figure out when you are most effective .
For me personally it is in the mornings .
So I try to do all the heavy mental lifting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ admin ” type work to the afternoons.
” — seabass “ It ’ s easy to see how cool it is to play with your dogs while you ’ re working , but they ’ ll distract you and keep you from doing your job .
It ’ s tough , but it ’ s the only way you ’ ll keep on task ( in my experience ) .
” – usernamesarethebane “ Set your working hours to match what your hours would be if you were in an office setting.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ other people start going home it ’ s a cue for us to leave as well .
Working remotely means that there are no cues to tell us that “ work is done for the day ” .
So pay very careful attention to this.
” —seabass “ Keep a list of things to do .
You probably already do this , but having a physical list on my desk keeps me on track and focused.
” – usernamesarethebane Know when to take breaks “ Make sure you know when to step away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s all too easy for working hours to take over personal time when working from home and before you know it the day is over which eventually leads to the wife/kids/dogs all leaving you for someone who has more time for them .
It is the fast track to burnout city.
” –sysopsbkms “ Take your breaks .
Don ’ t be a martyr .
You ’ re still working , you need time away from work .
Take the break.
” – r/ireland Separate your work space from your personal space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending a LOT of time at home on the computer .
You can compartmentalize that time spent at work when you head into an office by realizing that work is work and home is home .
You don ’ t have that anymore .
So you have to create that impression.
” — usernamesarethebane “ Do you have a set , enclosed space in your home for your workspace ?
Make it feel distinctly different than the rest of your home .
Don ’ t spend any your off-work time there .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surroundings with work – so if your entire home feels like your workspace , you ’ ll feel like you ’ re sitting at work whenever you ’ re lounging at home .
If you ’ re in a studio apartment or something like that , try designating a corner of the apartment to be your workspace , get a divider or something to put up around you ( not necessarily those cubicle walls , but anything to split the rest of your home from your workspace ) .
” –ricepanda “ Set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only use for work .
Don ’ t try and do work on your couch or on your bed because you ’ ll get distracted easier .
If you set up , say , the end of your dinner table , to be your work space , while your there you ’ ll be more focused on work ” –Bonkersthemonkey Collaborate when you can “ Talk to people .
Either message them or organise an informal video chat at the end of the day , bouncing ideas of others helps and moaning about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ –r/ireland “ One bonus sanity-preserving thing to mention : if your work or school utilizes videoconferencing technology , try and use it for some social time too !
Check in with folks , chat , play a game , etc .
I did a virtual happy hour with some co-workers on Friday night .
It was great , we ’ re gon na make it a weekly thing.
” – luckysnorkel Take time to focus on personal development “ I do personal development .
For example , I love learning new software , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improve my skills .
It depends on what I ’ m in the mood to do .
Are there any skills you could learn to be better at for your job ?
” –TrixieKixx “ I found it easy to start snacking throughout the day on breaks .
Water helps control hunger and if you drink enough , the bathroom breaks will work as natural work pauses during the day.
” — seabass Get out of the house as a quick break ( but be safe about where you go ) “ Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grab lunch or go eat in a park or go for a run — get out of the house .
You ’ ll go crazy otherwise .
I leave every day on my lunch for an hour , even if I just go drive aimlessly .
It gets me out , and away from my desk , which is really needed.
” — usernamesarethebane “ Treat yourself .
Really explore the benefits of telecommuting and make sure you try to enjoy it.
” – seabass “ Take advantage of the benefits that working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to get up frequently to walk and stretch ( sitting for a long time can be re killer on your butt and legs ) .
• None Enjoy a fresh lunch while you watch a show you like .
• None If you work well with background noise , put on some nice music .
• None You don ’ t have to rush to get ready in the morning .
You could sleep in a bit.
” — d0n7w0rry4b0u717 “ Try to get exercise in the morning .
If you wait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you might be too knackered to do it.
” –DassinJoe “ Figure out who your local eyes and ears will be and who will be honest and trust-worthy .
Keep in contact with them as they are already probably your closest work friends .
By being far away you lose contact with the ebbs and flows of office personal/politics.
” — seabass “ Speaking of mental health – get one of those meditation apps and do a 2-5 min session before or after work .
It helps.
” —r/ireland “ I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Meaning that yes , I could have loads of laundry going but I don ’ t need to .
It ’ s not a requirement .
I can still do those on the weekend .
I do make more slow cooker meals when I work from home since I can prep them on a break and get them done within a couple hours .
I don ’ t use recipes that cook longer than 3-4 hours so this is nice.
” –eperdu Try not to work in your bedroom “ If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut down as much as possible at the end of your day .
Get the computer out of sight and do something else.
” —DassinJoe “ Have a proper workstation with your desk at the right height , monitor ( s ) at eye level , and sufficient lighting for your tasks .
The ergonomic effects of sitting for long periods are bad enough that you don ’ t need to make it worse.
” — _tinyhands_ Work where you wouldn ’ t normally watch tv/read “ Try to work where you wouldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , read reddit or eat.
” — MonsieurLeGimp “ Don ’ t forget to brush your teeth !
I personally do not get dressed up with makeup and such .
I don ’ t wear my pajamas , though I did when I first started working at home .
I wear sweat pants and t-shirts/sweatshirts during the winter time and cropped yoga pants/t-shirts during the summer .
A shower in the morning definitely helps wake you up !
” —TrixieKixx “ Make sure you still do all your hygiene stuff first thing am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teeth , and shower like you are going to work .
Get into the “ working ” mindset.
” —theniceone198 “ A designated space is key .
I go through periods of time where food is not allowed in that space , to keep me from snacking .
It means I have to leave my space to snack which makes it more apparent that I ’ m snacking and I can stop myself.
” –eperdu “ Keeping yourself busy will help keep you from snacking.
” —theoriginalNO Know when to move around in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things you personally would like to get done .
Tote laptop around the house with you as you do chores if you need to be available .
Get dressed and make the bed as soon as you get up .
Change work locations in your house if you ’ re having trouble focusing.
” –Paddingtons_Mom “ Don ’ t work with distractions .
If you don ’ t work or study with tv , music , podcasts then don ’ t do it while working from home .
Take your breaks .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stretch you legs then go do it .
Take a quick walk around the block to decompress and reset your mind .
Don ’ t try to squish all the things you may see around in your environment and try to multi task it all.
” —earthgoddess92 “ If things like stuff not tidied away , laundry not folded , food not cooked etc .
distract you , you can use opportunities to stretch yourself and do them on your breaks from classes or work .
Also use them as opportunities to think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of action etc.
” —hilariousmuffins Use technology to your advantage “ Utilize google docs , it ’ s free in google drive.Create a zoom.us account and utilize their screen sharing feature so you can explain and help others better.
” —itsmethepro “ Actually work , don ’ t become a lazy ass just because you think you can get away with it .
When I worked from home I developed some bad habits that were hard to stop when I went back to the office.
” —torments6 “ I put my headphones on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I find I ’ m way more productive at home hah at work as there are no distractions .
Sure I talk to co workers on the messaging apps on the work computer , but it ’ s just work.
” —doihavetousethis Figure out boundaries with the people you live with “ If you live with other people , be sure to let them know your working hours and ask for their cooperation .
It ’ s very challenging for family and friends to see you in front of them and accept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , chores , etc.
” —lizzymule Play around with what works best for you “ If structure helps you , write out a flexible schedule and follow it as much as possible .
8am breakfast , 9am study for class X , 11am take a shower , 12pm go for a little walk , etc .
And when you ’ re finished for the day , close your computer and take half an hour to do another activity ( make dinner , work on your knitting , whatever ) in order to reset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I love to break my day up into chunks .
It makes me feel more productive and keeps me motivated when I know I ’ m doing this task for an hour , then I get to do something I want for 5 minutes , then study for an hour , then prep lunch while I listen to a podcast , then do another task , etc .
definitely agree with everyone here saying to shut off your computer and reset after work as well.
” — sweetpotatoes12345 “ Keep a to-do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have a work area and work equipment , close a door if you need to for family disturbances , and if you rely on video conferencing now , consider bumping up your bandwidth to have better performance.
” —dexmeister017 “ Don ’ t peak , don ’ t google , don ’ t be curious , do not look for it .
Clean social networks twitter , and instagram are specially dangerous with nsfw models ” — r/NoFap

We scoured the web and discovered the best work from home tips to help you stay productive during the COIVD-19 outbreak.
With coronavirus running rampant throughout the world, many countries have taken proactive measures to quarantine its citizens. As a result of these quarantines, you may have found yourself working from home instead of partaking in your usual office routine. While it might be nice to avoid your daily commute, working remotely can really throw you off of your groove. Here are tips that will help you maintain your productivity and adjust your work life during this crazy pandemic.
Start the day the same way
“First thing I learned was that I needed to start the day the same way I would if I was going into the office: shower, get dressed, eat breakfast, and act like I was going to work. That put me in the mindset of ‘work’ versus the mindset of ‘oh man, I’m at home on a computer!’”— usernamesarethebane
***
“Waking up and starting your morning routine. Wake up, shower, eat breakfast, drink coffee, and change out of your pajamas! I find that the longer I stay in my pajamas the less likely any work will get done.” —hiimem
***
Get out of your pajamas and sweatpants
“Get dressed every day, and by that I mean dress for work. Even go so far as to put on slacks and a dress shirt, if that’s your game. It was hard to do, and requires discipline, but that worked for me for the time I was self employed.” — Ferritt
***
“Wear clothes. Big misconception is that we sit around in PJ’s. We don’t and its better for your mental health not to.”– r/ireland
***
“Getting dressed is a HUGE thing. I get into my work yoga pants, washed face.. sometimes make up, hair done brushed. I treat it like I have someone coming over or somewhere to go and want to look presentable… my neighbor started working from home, I tried to give her tips.. I rarely see her outside anymore and I will guess this summer she is going to ask again about keto! GET OUT OF THEM PJ’S!!!! You don’t want to feel frumpy and lazy.” —caffeine_iv_stat
***
Communicate with your employer
“The more you communicate, even about mundane things that you think aren’t important, the more you convey your value to your employer. I email, Lync, and call all throughout the day.”— usernamesarethebane
***
“What I do find that is absolutely imperative is communication. So much information disseminated over the cubicle walls that you have to really work at it to remain in the loop on your remote.”– fnordcircle
***
“If you don’t already, set up an end of week report for your supervisor. You can detail the high level stuff that you worked on, and get credit for the work you’ve done.” — usernamesarethebane
***
Learn when you are most productive
“Once you are tracking your time figure out when you are most effective. For me personally it is in the mornings. So I try to do all the heavy mental lifting in the mornings and leave the more “admin” type work to the afternoons.” — seabass
***
Minimize distractions
“It’s easy to see how cool it is to play with your dogs while you’re working, but they’ll distract you and keep you from doing your job. It’s tough, but it’s the only way you’ll keep on task (in my experience).”– usernamesarethebane
***
Set the same work hours
“Set your working hours to match what your hours would be if you were in an office setting.”— Ferritt
“At work when other people start going home it’s a cue for us to leave as well. Working remotely means that there are no cues to tell us that “work is done for the day”. So pay very careful attention to this.” —seabass
***
Keep a to-do list
“Keep a list of things to do. You probably already do this, but having a physical list on my desk keeps me on track and focused.”– usernamesarethebane
***
Know when to take breaks
“Make sure you know when to step away from the (work) computer.. it’s all too easy for working hours to take over personal time when working from home and before you know it the day is over which eventually leads to the wife/kids/dogs all leaving you for someone who has more time for them. It is the fast track to burnout city.”–sysopsbkms
***
“Take your breaks. Don’t be a martyr. You’re still working, you need time away from work. Take the break.”– r/ireland
***
Separate your work space from your personal space
“You’re going to be spending a LOT of time at home on the computer. You can compartmentalize that time spent at work when you head into an office by realizing that work is work and home is home. You don’t have that anymore. So you have to create that impression.”— usernamesarethebane
***
“Do you have a set, enclosed space in your home for your workspace? Make it feel distinctly different than the rest of your home. Don’t spend any your off-work time there. It’s purely the mind associating your surroundings with work – so if your entire home feels like your workspace, you’ll feel like you’re sitting at work whenever you’re lounging at home. If you’re in a studio apartment or something like that, try designating a corner of the apartment to be your workspace, get a divider or something to put up around you (not necessarily those cubicle walls, but anything to split the rest of your home from your workspace).”–ricepanda
***
“Set up a dedicated work space that you only use for work. Don’t try and do work on your couch or on your bed because you’ll get distracted easier. If you set up, say, the end of your dinner table, to be your work space, while your there you’ll be more focused on work”–Bonkersthemonkey
***
Collaborate when you can
“Talk to people. Either message them or organise an informal video chat at the end of the day, bouncing ideas of others helps and moaning about something also helps. Do it.”–r/ireland
***
“One bonus sanity-preserving thing to mention: if your work or school utilizes videoconferencing technology, try and use it for some social time too! Check in with folks, chat, play a game, etc. I did a virtual happy hour with some co-workers on Friday night. It was great, we’re gonna make it a weekly thing.”– luckysnorkel
***
Take time to focus on personal development
“I do personal development. For example, I love learning new software, or reading/watching YouTube videos on how to improve my skills. It depends on what I’m in the mood to do. Are there any skills you could learn to be better at for your job?”–TrixieKixx
***
Drink a lot of water
“I found it easy to start snacking throughout the day on breaks. Water helps control hunger and if you drink enough, the bathroom breaks will work as natural work pauses during the day.” — seabass
***
Get out of the house as a quick break (but be safe about where you go)
“Even if it’s just to go grab lunch or go eat in a park or go for a run — get out of the house. You’ll go crazy otherwise. I leave every day on my lunch for an hour, even if I just go drive aimlessly. It gets me out, and away from my desk, which is really needed.” — usernamesarethebane
***
Treat yourself
“Treat yourself. Really explore the benefits of telecommuting and make sure you try to enjoy it.”– seabass
***
“Take advantage of the benefits that working from home offer.
Being able to get up frequently to walk and stretch (sitting for a long time can be re killer on your butt and legs).
Enjoy a fresh lunch while you watch a show you like.
If you work well with background noise, put on some nice music.
You don’t have to rush to get ready in the morning. You could sleep in a bit.” — d0n7w0rry4b0u717
***
Exercise, exercise, exercise
“Try to get exercise in the morning. If you wait until the end of the day, you might be too knackered to do it.”–DassinJoe
***
Find your office confidants
“Figure out who your local eyes and ears will be and who will be honest and trust-worthy. Keep in contact with them as they are already probably your closest work friends. By being far away you lose contact with the ebbs and flows of office personal/politics.” — seabass
***
Prioritize your mental health
“Speaking of mental health – get one of those meditation apps and do a 2-5 min session before or after work. It helps.” —r/ireland
***
Don’t let working from home dictate household work
“I don’t let WFH dictate my household work. Meaning that yes, I could have loads of laundry going but I don’t need to. It’s not a requirement. I can still do those on the weekend. I do make more slow cooker meals when I work from home since I can prep them on a break and get them done within a couple hours. I don’t use recipes that cook longer than 3-4 hours so this is nice.”–eperdu
***
Try not to work in your bedroom
“If you have to work in your bedroom, shut down as much as possible at the end of your day. Get the computer out of sight and do something else.” —DassinJoe
***
Put thoughtful time in designing your workspace
“Have a proper workstation with your desk at the right height, monitor(s) at eye level, and sufficient lighting for your tasks. The ergonomic effects of sitting for long periods are bad enough that you don’t need to make it worse.” — _tinyhands_
***
Work where you wouldn’t normally watch tv/read
“Try to work where you wouldn’t normally sit to watch TV, read reddit or eat.” — MonsieurLeGimp
***
Don’t forget about hygiene
“Don’t forget to brush your teeth! I personally do not get dressed up with makeup and such. I don’t wear my pajamas, though I did when I first started working at home. I wear sweat pants and t-shirts/sweatshirts during the winter time and cropped yoga pants/t-shirts during the summer. A shower in the morning definitely helps wake you up!” —TrixieKixx
***
“Make sure you still do all your hygiene stuff first thing am: wash your face, brush your teeth, and shower like you are going to work. Get into the “working” mindset.” —theniceone198
***
Limit your snacking
“A designated space is key. I go through periods of time where food is not allowed in that space, to keep me from snacking. It means I have to leave my space to snack which makes it more apparent that I’m snacking and I can stop myself.”–eperdu
***
“Keeping yourself busy will help keep you from snacking.” —theoriginalNO
***
Know when to move around in your house
“Make a list of things you personally would like to get done. Tote laptop around the house with you as you do chores if you need to be available. Get dressed and make the bed as soon as you get up. Change work locations in your house if you’re having trouble focusing.”–Paddingtons_Mom
***
Limit external distractions
“Don’t work with distractions. If you don’t work or study with tv, music, podcasts then don’t do it while working from home. Take your breaks. If you normally take an hr lunch to stretch you legs then go do it. Take a quick walk around the block to decompress and reset your mind. Don’t try to squish all the things you may see around in your environment and try to multi task it all.” —earthgoddess92
***
“If things like stuff not tidied away, laundry not folded, food not cooked etc. distract you, you can use opportunities to stretch yourself and do them on your breaks from classes or work. Also use them as opportunities to think over new material, ideas, courses of action etc.” —hilariousmuffins
***
Use technology to your advantage
“Utilize google docs, it’s free in google drive.Create a zoom.us account and utilize their screen sharing feature so you can explain and help others better.” —itsmethepro
***
Actually work
“Actually work, don’t become a lazy ass just because you think you can get away with it. When I worked from home I developed some bad habits that were hard to stop when I went back to the office.” —torments6
***
Invest in noise cancelling headphones
“Noise-canceling headphones, comfortable seat.” — kangbabi
***
“I put my headphones on and get my head down to work. I find I’m way more productive at home hah at work as there are no distractions. Sure I talk to co workers on the messaging apps on the work computer, but it’s just work.” —doihavetousethis
***
Figure out boundaries with the people you live with
“If you live with other people, be sure to let them know your working hours and ask for their cooperation. It’s very challenging for family and friends to see you in front of them and accept you are not currently available for talk, chores, etc.” —lizzymule
***
Play around with what works best for you
“If structure helps you, write out a flexible schedule and follow it as much as possible. 8am breakfast, 9am study for class X, 11am take a shower, 12pm go for a little walk, etc. And when you’re finished for the day, close your computer and take half an hour to do another activity (make dinner, work on your knitting, whatever) in order to reset your brain off of work.”–plumpillow88
***
Break up your day
“I love to break my day up into chunks. It makes me feel more productive and keeps me motivated when I know I’m doing this task for an hour, then I get to do something I want for 5 minutes, then study for an hour, then prep lunch while I listen to a podcast, then do another task, etc. definitely agree with everyone here saying to shut off your computer and reset after work as well.” — sweetpotatoes12345
***
Preferably, work in a room with a door
“Keep a to-do list on your desk if you must, have a work area and work equipment, close a door if you need to for family disturbances, and if you rely on video conferencing now, consider bumping up your bandwidth to have better performance.” —dexmeister017
***
Set good habits from the start
“Don’t peak, don’t google, don’t be curious, do not look for it. Clean social networks twitter, and instagram are specially dangerous with nsfw models” — r/NoFap
***


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-17--When You Love Someone, You Shouldn’t Punish Them Over Their Emotions

When you love someone , you shouldn ’ t make them feel guilty over the way they feel .
You shouldn ’ t get annoyed with them when they express fear or sadness or jealousy .
You shouldn ’ t blame them for getting emotional over things you personally consider silly .
You shouldn ’ t expect your person to handle every single situation in the same way you handle it .
You ’ re not clones .
You ’ re going to have different responses to different circumstances and that doesn ’ t make one of you right and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differently .
Everyone processes emotions differently .
The key to a healthy relationship is being there for your person , even when they are coping in a completely different way than you .
You can ’ t force them to feel how you feel .
You can ’ t look down on them for being more or less emotional .
You have to accept them — and their feelings .
You don ’ t want to encourage your person to hide their emotions from you .
You don ’ t want to accidentally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say to you .
You don ’ t want them to feel like they can ’ t have certain conversations with you , can ’ t open up to you , can ’ t trust you to listen when something is wrong .
When you love someone , you shouldn ’ t punish them over their emotions .
You should consider their feelings valid even if you don ’ t understand exactly where they ’ re going from .
If they ’ e upset , you should let them cry .
If they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them ramble .
If they ’ re scared , you should let them voice their fears .
When you love someone , you should be there for them , no matter what emotion they are experiencing .
You shouldn ’ t run away when they get too real with you .
You shouldn ’ t flee at the first sign of genuine emotion .
You shouldn ’ t make them feel like they are too clingy or dramatic or annoying , simply for sharing their thoughts with you .
When you love someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with you .
You want them to feel safe with you .
You want them to share everything with you .
You don ’ t want them to feel like they need to walk on eggshells whenever you ’ re in the room .
You don ’ t want them to wonder whether expressing too much emotion is going to scare you away .
You don ’ t want them to doubt whether or not you can handle the real them .
A relationship is never going to work without communication , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to encourage your person to keep quiet .
You don ’ t want to make them feel like they should cope with their problems on their own because you don ’ t want to be bothered .
When you love someone , you should encourage them to show their vulnerable side to you , even when it ’ s messy , even when it makes things complicated .
You should be excited when your person decides they trust you enough to open up about their deepest feelings .
You should be happy whenever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart — and you should never make them feel bad about it .

When you love someone, you shouldn’t make them feel guilty over the way they feel. You shouldn’t get annoyed with them when they express fear or sadness or jealousy. You shouldn’t blame them for getting emotional over things you personally consider silly.
You shouldn’t expect your person to handle every single situation in the same way you handle it. You’re not clones. You’re going to have different responses to different circumstances and that doesn’t make one of you right and the other wrong.
Everyone handles situations differently. Everyone processes emotions differently. The key to a healthy relationship is being there for your person, even when they are coping in a completely different way than you. You can’t force them to feel how you feel. You can’t look down on them for being more or less emotional. You have to accept them — and their feelings.
You don’t want to encourage your person to hide their emotions from you. You don’t want to accidentally convince them to start censoring what they say to you. You don’t want them to feel like they can’t have certain conversations with you, can’t open up to you, can’t trust you to listen when something is wrong.
When you love someone, you shouldn’t punish them over their emotions. You should consider their feelings valid even if you don’t understand exactly where they’re going from. If they’e upset, you should let them cry. If they’re happy, you should let them ramble. If they’re scared, you should let them voice their fears.
When you love someone, you should be there for them, no matter what emotion they are experiencing. You shouldn’t run away when they get too real with you. You shouldn’t flee at the first sign of genuine emotion. You shouldn’t make them feel like they are too clingy or dramatic or annoying, simply for sharing their thoughts with you.
When you love someone, you want them to feel comfortable with you. You want them to feel safe with you. You want them to share everything with you. You don’t want them to feel like they need to walk on eggshells whenever you’re in the room. You don’t want them to wonder whether expressing too much emotion is going to scare you away. You don’t want them to doubt whether or not you can handle the real them.
A relationship is never going to work without communication, which is why you don’t want to encourage your person to keep quiet. You don’t want to make them feel like they should cope with their problems on their own because you don’t want to be bothered.
When you love someone, you should encourage them to show their vulnerable side to you, even when it’s messy, even when it makes things complicated. You should be excited when your person decides they trust you enough to open up about their deepest feelings. You should be happy whenever they give you a glimpse at their heart — and you should never make them feel bad about it.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-17--Love Loudly Because The World Needs More Soft Hearts Like Yours

Love loudly because the only thing holding you back is the fear of embarrassment , the fear of rejection , the fear of being told you ’ re not enough .
But even if you don ’ t end up with the result that you want , you can not allow it to impact your view of yourself .
You can not let your self-worth depend on someone else ’ s opinion of you .
You need to set your own opinions .
You need to love yourself , regardless of who else feels the same .
Love loudly because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back on your life and have regrets about how you waited too long to speak your mind , to admit how you feel , to tell those special people how much they meant to you .
Everything in this world is temporary , so even though the timing might not feel right , this could be the only time you have .
You should take advantage of today .
You shouldn ’ t let it pass you by .
You shouldn ’ t wait until tomorrow to spread warmth .
Love loudly because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going through more than you realize .
They might need to hear those words .
They might need your kindness .
Even if expressing your emotions doesn ’ t end up getting you into the relationship you want , at least you will have brightened someone else ’ s day .
At least you will have done yourself a favor by being true to yourself .
Love loudly because mixed signals aren ’ t going to get you far .
Playing hard to get isn ’ t always going to work out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ person you want skyrocket when you ’ re straightforward with them about your feelings , when you tell them exactly what you want from them , when you spill your heart to them without worrying about how they might react .
Love loudly because the things you leave unsaid are going to eat you alive .
Some day in the future , you ’ re going to wish you spoke when you had the chance .
You ’ re going to kick yourself for holding yourself back .
You ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you would have said what was on your mind , if you would have made a move , if you would have let your heart be seen .
Love loudly because emotionally isolating yourself isn ’ t going to protect yourself .
It isn ’ t going to make it easier for you to move on from the person you ’ ve been thinking about nonstop .
It ’ s only going to cut you off from what you really want from this world .
It ’ s only going to push you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever after .
Love loudly because your emotions aren ’ t meant to be chained and hidden away .
Love loudly because it ’ s the healthiest thing to do .
Love loudly because keeping your emotions quiet will backfire on you .
If the person you ’ ve been chasing never learns how you feel , then you ’ re doing yourself a disservice .
You deserve to speak your mind .
You deserve to express your feelings without fear .
You deserve to be unapologetically you .

Love loudly because the only thing holding you back is the fear of embarrassment, the fear of rejection, the fear of being told you’re not enough. But even if you don’t end up with the result that you want, you cannot allow it to impact your view of yourself. You cannot let your self-worth depend on someone else’s opinion of you. You need to set your own opinions. You need to love yourself, regardless of who else feels the same.
Love loudly because you don’t want to look back on your life and have regrets about how you waited too long to speak your mind, to admit how you feel, to tell those special people how much they meant to you. Everything in this world is temporary, so even though the timing might not feel right, this could be the only time you have. You should take advantage of today. You shouldn’t let it pass you by. You shouldn’t wait until tomorrow to spread warmth.
Love loudly because every single person on this planet is going through more than you realize. They might need to hear those words. They might need your kindness. Even if expressing your emotions doesn’t end up getting you into the relationship you want, at least you will have brightened someone else’s day. At least you will have done yourself a favor by being true to yourself.
Love loudly because mixed signals aren’t going to get you far. Playing hard to get isn’t always going to work out. Your chances of ending up with the person you want skyrocket when you’re straightforward with them about your feelings, when you tell them exactly what you want from them, when you spill your heart to them without worrying about how they might react.
Love loudly because the things you leave unsaid are going to eat you alive. Some day in the future, you’re going to wish you spoke when you had the chance. You’re going to kick yourself for holding yourself back. You’re going to wonder what would’ve happened if you would have said what was on your mind, if you would have made a move, if you would have let your heart be seen.
Love loudly because emotionally isolating yourself isn’t going to protect yourself. It isn’t going to make it easier for you to move on from the person you’ve been thinking about nonstop. It’s only going to cut you off from what you really want from this world. It’s only going to push you further and further away from your happily ever after.
Love loudly because your emotions aren’t meant to be chained and hidden away.
Love loudly because showing your vulnerable side takes strength.
Love loudly because it’s the healthiest thing to do.
Love loudly because keeping your emotions quiet will backfire on you. If the person you’ve been chasing never learns how you feel, then you’re doing yourself a disservice. You deserve to speak your mind. You deserve to express your feelings without fear. You deserve to be unapologetically you.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-17--You Don’t Have To Be Productive Today

You Don’t Have To Be Productive Today

On the days when you have free time , when you have hours upon hours to get shit done , you might feel extra pressure to be productive .
You might feel like you need to cross everything off your to-do list .
You might feel like if you don ’ t do the laundry and exercise and walk the dog and cook a healthy meal , then you ’ re a failure .
You might feel like there ’ s no excuse for slacking when time is on your side .
But you need more than time to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a healthy state of mind — and if you ’ re not in a good place right now , you might need some rest .
You might need to sit back and give yourself a break .
You might need to go easy on yourself for a little while .
If you don ’ t get anything productive done today , you shouldn ’ t beat yourself up about it .
You shouldn ’ t feel like you ’ ve wasted a perfectly good day .
You shouldn ’ t feel bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not every single day is meant to be filled to the brim with activities .
Some days are meant to be catchup days .
Not when you catchup on work , but when you catchup on sleep , catchup on shows , catchup with friends .
You need to give up the idea that you ’ re lazy for spending the day on your couch .
You ’ re allowed to relax .
You ’ re allowed to give your brain a well-deserved break , especially at a time like this .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ habit out of procrastinating , out of putting things off until tomorrow , out of lounging around when you should be working .
But you shouldn ’ t make a habit out of forcing yourself to go go go when you ’ re not in the right state of mind , either .
You don ’ t want to burn yourself out .
You don ’ t want to push yourself over an edge .
If work is the last thing you want to think about right now , that is okay .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ get anything productive done today , that is okay .
If your emotions are all over the place , that is okay .
But if you feel like you ’ re the only one who isn ’ t taking advantage of their newfound free time , you ’ re wrong .
There are plenty of other people in the same exact situation as you right now .
There are plenty of people who aren ’ t able to keep their minds focused , who aren ’ t able to keep their attention on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to motivate themselves when there are so many other things to worry about at the moment .
Even though you might be kicking yourself for not getting anything done when you have so much time on your hands , you need to give yourself a break .
You need to understand that it ’ s okay if your confusion and disappointment and fear are getting the best of you right now .
Maybe tomorrow you can get yourself back on schedule .
Maybe tomorrow you can get your motivation back up .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But it ’ s okay if the only thing you do today is survive .

On the days when you have free time, when you have hours upon hours to get shit done, you might feel extra pressure to be productive. You might feel like you need to cross everything off your to-do list. You might feel like if you don’t do the laundry and exercise and walk the dog and cook a healthy meal, then you’re a failure. You might feel like there’s no excuse for slacking when time is on your side.
But you need more than time to be productive. You also need to be in a healthy state of mind — and if you’re not in a good place right now, you might need some rest. You might need to sit back and give yourself a break. You might need to go easy on yourself for a little while.
If you don’t get anything productive done today, you shouldn’t beat yourself up about it. You shouldn’t feel like you’ve wasted a perfectly good day. You shouldn’t feel bad about what a screwup you are.
Not every single day is meant to be filled to the brim with activities. Some days are meant to be catchup days. Not when you catchup on work, but when you catchup on sleep, catchup on shows, catchup with friends.
You need to give up the idea that you’re lazy for spending the day on your couch. You’re allowed to relax. You’re allowed to give your brain a well-deserved break, especially at a time like this.
No, you shouldn’t make a habit out of procrastinating, out of putting things off until tomorrow, out of lounging around when you should be working. But you shouldn’t make a habit out of forcing yourself to go go go when you’re not in the right state of mind, either. You don’t want to burn yourself out. You don’t want to push yourself over an edge.
If work is the last thing you want to think about right now, that is okay.
If you aren’t able to get anything productive done today, that is okay.
If your emotions are all over the place, that is okay.
But if you feel like you’re the only one who isn’t taking advantage of their newfound free time, you’re wrong. There are plenty of other people in the same exact situation as you right now. There are plenty of people who aren’t able to keep their minds focused, who aren’t able to keep their attention on their work, who aren’t able to motivate themselves when there are so many other things to worry about at the moment.
Even though you might be kicking yourself for not getting anything done when you have so much time on your hands, you need to give yourself a break. You need to understand that it’s okay if your confusion and disappointment and fear are getting the best of you right now.
Maybe tomorrow you can get yourself back on schedule. Maybe tomorrow you can get your motivation back up. Maybe tomorrow you can do something productive. But it’s okay if the only thing you do today is survive.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-18--You Can Forgive A Toxic Human Without Giving Them Another Shot

You don ’ t have to let anyone toxic know you ’ ve forgiven them .
You don ’ t have to approach them and speak the words aloud in order for them to count .
You can simply forgive them in your heart .
As long as you know you forgive them , that ’ s the most important thing , because then you can start to move on from the pain they have caused .
Of course , forgiving them doesn ’ t mean you believe you were in the wrong after all .
It doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after giving it some more thought .
It doesn ’ t mean you believe you were originally overreacting when you got mad at them .
It doesn ’ t mean you suddenly believe what they did to you was okay .
What they did was not okay .
That hasn ’ t changed .
The only thing that has changed is the way you ’ re allowing yourself to view the situation .
The only thing that has changed is that you ’ re sick of carrying around so much anger in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You want this weight off your chest .
You want a sense of peace , of closure .
Forgiveness isn ’ t for everyone , but it could be exactly what you need .
It could help ease your pain .
It could help you heal in the long-run .
Of course , forgiving a toxic person doesn ’ t mean you ’ re ever going to accept that type of treatment again .
It doesn ’ t mean you ’ re comfortable allowing them back into your world .
It doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free from resentment and anger and frustration .
There are always going to be some lingering bad feelings .
You can not shut off your emotions .
You can not stop yourself from caring , even when you ’ ve chosen to forgive this person who has done you wrong .
Remember , you can forgive a toxic human while still recognizing that you ’ re better off without them .
Even though you accept what they put you through in the past , you don ’ t have to open yourself up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future .
You don ’ t have to give them another shot , simply because they ’ ve sworn they ’ ve changed , simply because they ’ ve promised never to hurt you again .
They had a chance to treat you right and they blew it .
Maybe they would do better in the future — but maybe they don ’ t deserve the chance to prove that to you .
Maybe you ’ re better off without them .
Maybe knowing they were okay with hurting you even once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t deserve a spot in your world .
Maybe the best thing you can do for yourself is accept that you can have some good memories of a person without risking your well-being to create some more .
Remember , even once you ’ ve reached a place where you can forgive someone who has done you wrong , you aren ’ t obligated to allow them back into your world .
You don ’ t have to return the key to your heart .
You don ’ t have to give them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t owe them anything .
They ’ re lucky they ’ re getting your forgiveness .
You don ’ t have to give them anything else .

You don’t have to let anyone toxic know you’ve forgiven them. You don’t have to approach them and speak the words aloud in order for them to count. You can simply forgive them in your heart. As long as you know you forgive them, that’s the most important thing, because then you can start to move on from the pain they have caused.
Of course, forgiving them doesn’t mean you believe you were in the wrong after all. It doesn’t mean you believe their choices were justified after giving it some more thought. It doesn’t mean you believe you were originally overreacting when you got mad at them. It doesn’t mean you suddenly believe what they did to you was okay.
What they did was not okay. That hasn’t changed. The only thing that has changed is the way you’re allowing yourself to view the situation. The only thing that has changed is that you’re sick of carrying around so much anger in your heart. You want to feel better. You want this weight off your chest. You want a sense of peace, of closure.
Forgiveness isn’t for everyone, but it could be exactly what you need. It could help ease your pain. It could help you heal in the long-run.
Of course, forgiving a toxic person doesn’t mean you’re ever going to accept that type of treatment again. It doesn’t mean you’re comfortable allowing them back into your world. It doesn’t mean you’re completely free from resentment and anger and frustration. There are always going to be some lingering bad feelings. You cannot shut off your emotions. You cannot stop yourself from caring, even when you’ve chosen to forgive this person who has done you wrong.
Remember, you can forgive a toxic human while still recognizing that you’re better off without them. Even though you accept what they put you through in the past, you don’t have to open yourself up to the same type of treatment in the future. You don’t have to give them another shot, simply because they’ve sworn they’ve changed, simply because they’ve promised never to hurt you again. They had a chance to treat you right and they blew it.
Maybe they would do better in the future — but maybe they don’t deserve the chance to prove that to you. Maybe you’re better off without them. Maybe knowing they were okay with hurting you even once is enough to prove they don’t deserve a spot in your world. Maybe the best thing you can do for yourself is accept that you can have some good memories of a person without risking your well-being to create some more.
Remember, even once you’ve reached a place where you can forgive someone who has done you wrong, you aren’t obligated to allow them back into your world. You don’t have to return the key to your heart. You don’t have to give them another chance to hurt you. You don’t owe them anything. They’re lucky they’re getting your forgiveness. You don’t have to give them anything else.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-18--Don’t Slide Into My DMs Like You Never Disappeared

Don ’ t slide into my DMs , expecting things to go back to the way they used to be between us .
You can ’ t rewind time .
You can ’ t pretend the past never existed .
You can ’ t make me forget about the awful way you treated me in the past .
No matter how suave you think you are , you won ’ t be able to come up with a good enough excuse for why you disappeared for such a long time .
You won ’ t be able to trick me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your fault you ghosted .
You decided not to talk to me anymore .
You decided our ‘ relationship ’ was over .
But you don ’ t get to decide if it starts again .
Don ’ t expect me to forget the way you disappointed me when I was actually interested in having a relationship with you .
You hurt my heart at the time .
You were the only one I wanted at the time .
Leaving might not have seemed like a big deal from where you were standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a disaster .
It was a heartbreak it took me a while to get over .
Even though you think you can wrap me around your finger , you ’ re not automatically going to earn my forgiveness , just because you decided to show up again .
I ’ m not going to start acting buddy-buddy with you , simply because you dropped a few compliments .
I ’ m not that easy to win over .
I ’ m not that stupid .
Don ’ t expect me to sweep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ ve suddenly decided you were bored enough to walk back into my life .
You ’ re not the one who gets to decide whether we are flirting or whether we are strangers .
I can make those decisions , too , and right now there ’ s nothing I have to say to you .
There ’ s no way my standards are going to swing low enough to let you back into my world .
There ’ s no way you ’ re going to be treated the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were by the old me .
You walked away from someone who genuinely cared about you , who wanted the best for you , who would ’ ve done anything for you , but that girl is no longer around .
That girl is long gone .
You ’ re never going to see her again .
So , please , don ’ t slide into my DMs with the expectation I am going to fall all over you again .
Don ’ t expect me to be jumping up and down over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first .
Don ’ t expect me to start flirting with you the way I would in the beginning , back when I was crazy about you .
Back then , I would ’ ve been happy to get any attention from you .
I would ’ ve been flattered at any compliment , no matter how cliche it seemed .
I would ’ ve felt like the luckiest person in the world .
But it ’ s a little too late now .
You messed up too many times .
You made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most realistic standards .
You made it clear we aren ’ t actually meant for each other .

Don’t slide into my DMs, expecting things to go back to the way they used to be between us. You can’t rewind time. You can’t pretend the past never existed. You can’t make me forget about the awful way you treated me in the past.
No matter how suave you think you are, you won’t be able to come up with a good enough excuse for why you disappeared for such a long time. You won’t be able to trick me into believing it’s not actually your fault you ghosted.
You decided not to talk to me anymore. You decided our ‘relationship’ was over. But you don’t get to decide if it starts again.
Don’t expect me to forget the way you disappointed me when I was actually interested in having a relationship with you. You hurt my heart at the time. You were the only one I wanted at the time. Leaving might not have seemed like a big deal from where you were standing, but from my side, it was a disaster. It was a heartbreak it took me a while to get over.
Even though you think you can wrap me around your finger, you’re not automatically going to earn my forgiveness, just because you decided to show up again. I’m not going to start acting buddy-buddy with you, simply because you dropped a few compliments. I’m not that easy to win over. I’m not that stupid.
Don’t expect me to sweep everything under the rug, just because you’ve suddenly decided you were bored enough to walk back into my life. You’re not the one who gets to decide whether we are flirting or whether we are strangers. I can make those decisions, too, and right now there’s nothing I have to say to you. There’s no way my standards are going to swing low enough to let you back into my world. There’s no way you’re going to be treated the same way by the new me as you were by the old me.
You walked away from someone who genuinely cared about you, who wanted the best for you, who would’ve done anything for you, but that girl is no longer around. That girl is long gone. You’re never going to see her again.
So, please, don’t slide into my DMs with the expectation I am going to fall all over you again. Don’t expect me to be jumping up and down over the fact that you started a conversation first. Don’t expect me to start flirting with you the way I would in the beginning, back when I was crazy about you.
Back then, I would’ve been happy to get any attention from you. I would’ve been flattered at any compliment, no matter how cliche it seemed. I would’ve felt like the luckiest person in the world.
But it’s a little too late now. You messed up too many times. You made it obvious you cannot reach my most realistic standards. You made it clear we aren’t actually meant for each other.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-19--Here Are The Things I’m Not Brave Enough To Say

1. you decided the view wasn ’ t for you , but you ’ d only just tied your shoelaces and stretched your calves ; you had mountains of my heart left to climb .
2. it ’ s too bad you missed the sunset .
i had never glowed for anyone like that .
3. there were constellations pulsing in my midnight sky i never wanted anyone but you to hold my hand under .
now you ’ re just someone else who left me hurt and undiscovered .
4. i wanted to be cartographer of your soul and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not see you yet ; i am still transfixed .
i swear i am trying not to be .
5. i have never tried this hard at letting go .
6. i have a high threshold for pain , i don ’ t understand why it hurts like this .
7. i know i don ’ t look anything like the girls you follow , but i wanted to be lovely for you .
only for you .
i would ’ ve blistered in the golden hour light , rolled around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my lips in every shade of pink .
8. i learned to love your snoring because i chose you , the same way i learned to sleep through your countless alarms each morning .
i miss listening to your raucous breathing , when my eyes weren ’ t yet heavy and you were already inside your dreams .
you ’ ve no idea of the many ways you lulled me to sleep .
9. in the middle of the night , asleep , you ’ d reach for me , kiss my skin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
i ’ d wake up to whispers in your native tongue coming from your lips .
i could ’ ve sworn it all meant something .
10. for you , i would have learned a third language .
i would have used it with your mother .
i would have held that piece of you in me .
i would have spoken it to whisper for your hands to touch me in the dark and at the first glimpse of the sun .
11. i fucked him only because i thought he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
when it was over , in the dark , i cried silently .
i whispered your name to myself and clung to it like a safety blanket .
12. on nights i wake up from nightmares , i fight every bone inside my body not to go digging in that bag buried in my closet to wrap myself in your cardigan .
i don ’ t give in , but three nights ago i said your name over and over until i could breathe .
13. you made me feel less alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in your bed .
just sleep .
but it is your bed .
i don ’ t know what that means .
15. i wasn ’ t looking for you .
i swear i didn ’ t mean to love you .
you were good in ways i had never known .
16. what you did to me with her , it ’ s not who i thought you were .
some days , i hate you so much for it .
you don ’ t do that to someone you have respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get so angry in the healing of it all , that i wonder if i had you all wrong .
17. you became one of my best friends , but my heart was never safe with you .
18. i want to say one day you ’ ll wake up next to someone and not feel love , not feel lust , not feel anything , and miss waking up next to me .
i want to say i ’ m sure of it , but i ’ d be wrong .
you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t just want to be appreciated , but loved .
19. when i see you , know it ’ s because i no longer feel anything at all .
20. part of me knows this will be a lie .

1. you decided the view wasn’t for you, but you’d only just tied your shoelaces and stretched your calves; you had mountains of my heart left to climb.
2. it’s too bad you missed the sunset. i had never glowed for anyone like that.
3. there were constellations pulsing in my midnight sky i never wanted anyone but you to hold my hand under. now you’re just someone else who left me hurt and undiscovered.
4. i wanted to be cartographer of your soul and body. blame them both if i cannot see you yet; i am still transfixed. i swear i am trying not to be.
5. i have never tried this hard at letting go.
6. i have a high threshold for pain, i don’t understand why it hurts like this.
7. i know i don’t look anything like the girls you follow, but i wanted to be lovely for you. only for you. i would’ve blistered in the golden hour light, rolled around the meadow, drowned in honey, painted my lips in every shade of pink.
8. i learned to love your snoring because i chose you, the same way i learned to sleep through your countless alarms each morning. i miss listening to your raucous breathing, when my eyes weren’t yet heavy and you were already inside your dreams. you’ve no idea of the many ways you lulled me to sleep.
9. in the middle of the night, asleep, you’d reach for me, kiss my skin, and squeeze my body, often. i’d wake up to whispers in your native tongue coming from your lips. i could’ve sworn it all meant something.
10. for you, i would have learned a third language. i would have used it with your mother. i would have held that piece of you in me. i would have spoken it to whisper for your hands to touch me in the dark and at the first glimpse of the sun.
11. i fucked him only because i thought he could lick your name from my lips. when it was over, in the dark, i cried silently. i whispered your name to myself and clung to it like a safety blanket.
12. on nights i wake up from nightmares, i fight every bone inside my body not to go digging in that bag buried in my closet to wrap myself in your cardigan. i don’t give in, but three nights ago i said your name over and over until i could breathe.
13. you made me feel less alone.
14. i still want to sleep in your bed. just sleep. but it is your bed. i don’t know what that means.
15. i wasn’t looking for you. i swear i didn’t mean to love you. you were good in ways i had never known.
16. what you did to me with her, it’s not who i thought you were. some days, i hate you so much for it. you don’t do that to someone you have respect and care for. some days i get so angry in the healing of it all, that i wonder if i had you all wrong.
17. you became one of my best friends, but my heart was never safe with you.
18. i want to say one day you’ll wake up next to someone and not feel love, not feel lust, not feel anything, and miss waking up next to me. i want to say i’m sure of it, but i’d be wrong. you let me go because you knew i didn’t just want to be appreciated, but loved.
19. when i see you, know it’s because i no longer feel anything at all.
20. part of me knows this will be a lie.


thoughtcatalog--2020-03-19--17 Truckers Discuss How The COVID-19 Epidemic Has Affected Them

A 2019 report concluded that when the economy is headed southward , the freight industry will be the first affected .
The trucking industry , in particular , entered a recession two years earlier than the rest of the country eventually did in 2008 .
With the recent unfolding coronavirus panic , the trucking industry has again been hit hard .
Here are 17 truckers discussing how the situation has affected them .
1 .
“ If all the truck drivers just stop , the whole country is going to be stopped.
” “ I heard on the news that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drivers can ’ t get any food , you can ’ t get a shower certain places because they are closing everything down , but we ’ re the ones out here delivering all the good and we can ’ t be treated any better than this ?
That ’ s not cool .
Nothing is moving .
So if all the truck drivers just stop , the whole country is going to be stopped because you can ’ t get anything in.
” —Dia 2 .
“ One of the biggest concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ One of the biggest concerns for me is not having work .
I have bills and other things that require me to drive , load , and unload product .
Being under a quarantine or in a hospital , or even stuck in the truck for two weeks to let the virus run its course , would harm me as I wouldn ’ t be able to efficiently do my job.
” —Anonymous 3 .
“ I have been questioned twice about having the virus.
” “ I have been questioned twice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus and told I can ’ t enter if I may have come in contact with it.
” —Anonymous 4 .
“ Hope for the best , prep for the worst.
” “ If you deliver to a city in the morning , but then that city goes into quarantine , you may be stuck in your truck .
“ If you show up to pick up or deliver and appear sick , it might escalate .
Hopefully you won ’ t get forcibly hauled off into an isolation unit .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truck with several weeks of grocery/water/etc .
in case we have to isolate somewhere .
“ Or , if things break down to where the owner has no freight to run us and we deadhead wherever we feel is the best based on the current sitrep .
“ Until then , we continue to run all 48 and hope for the best , prep for the worst .
“ Keep it simple : You will be exposed at some point .
You will either get sick or not .
If you get sick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ My biggest worry is when the outbreak gets to the point that the economy shuts down .
Drivers start getting sick , go into quarantine along with truck .
“ Driver goes into Seattle to deliver but the city goes into quarantine and no one leaves… .
“ Shippers and receivers shutting down for covid19… “ When you do get sick , do you isolate at a truck stop and ride it out ?
At what point do you call 911 ?
“ These are the questions keeping me awake.
” —rickyboricky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s going to get worse.
” “ Before it gets better , it ’ s going to get worse .
We ’ re really gon na struggle .
We do have a little bit of savings , but it ’ s not going to last that long .
If I can ’ t move my legs or arms , I ’ ll definitely stay home .
But if I only have a cough or have a fever , I would get up and go to work , because I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ —Josue “ In an overnight frenzy , the whole touring industry came to a halt .
Singers , comedians , sports , everything that involved touring .
Our shows have been canceled and or postponed until at least the end of the summer .
Now , I ’ m left picking up the pieces — trying to keep my new wife happy and trusting in me that I ’ ll find another job .
This is hard .
Overnight , mine and thousands of others ’ lives fell apart.
” —David 6 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn for aid ?
” “ With all the talks in the news from the president about help for working families affected by the outbreak , there hasn ’ t been any talks about the owner-operator with one truck and a family .
Where does that person turn to for aid during this time ?
” —Chad “ Without trucks , the nationwide shortage of toilet paper , paper Towels , food , hand sanitizers , canned goods will never be replenished .
In times like these the trucking industry will bring us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions .
Remember to thank a professional driver when you go to the store to restock your home .
“ Myself and all of my fellow professional drivers are doing all we can to get your essentials to the stores .
Please be patient , give the trucks plenty of room , and be kind to those drivers .
They are working extra hard for every citizen in this country !
” —Thomas 8 .
“ Let ’ s hear it for the truckers.
” “ A ton of people are giving shout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this current climate .
Let ’ s also remember the over the road truckers who still climb in their tractor rig every 12 hours with loads of food , TP , medical supplies , cleaning supplies , and pretty much everything this nation runs on and deliver it quickly and efficiently .
Those truckers live isolated lives which minimizes exposure , you want to see the U.S. get crippled ?
Those trucks stopping would stop everything including basic health care folks.
” “ So let ’ s hear it for the truckers.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthcare workers are at higher risk , we are travelers first .
The rest areas and truck stops are travel centers used by thousands of people daily , imo our biggest threat for contamination , waiting in line for miserable washrooms , showers , fast foods , even around coffee machines .
Over past couple of weeks , I stooped for fueling only , used plastic gloves pumping diesel picked the fuel receipt and move , sleep on ramps , I got some food from home , fruits water some instant coffee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s natural good for plants , and safer.
” —Johny41 “ I do feel like that over time you ’ ll see that after the initial scare , things will get back to normal .
It ’ s just a matter of time , you know it ’ s gon na take a few days to get that back on track.
” —Donna 10 .
“ Everything at every store is sold out.
” “ Like my company won ’ t say much they will pay us for time for sick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m young and won ’ t have serious issues but will need to quarantine myself now the heck would I do that in my truck with limited food no shower ?
?
?
Would the government pay for a nice hotel room for me ?
With free food delivery !
?
I mean I ’ m not gon na go to a hospital and waste a bed and I hate hospitals what are we gon na do as truckers if we catch this COVID 19 stuff ?
?
Hell I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because everything at every store is sold out spent 3 hours store to store today to get nothing no water or milk or rice and canned foods that we truckers need since we don ’ t exactly have a darn kitchen.
!
!
!
Who cares about us how are we supposed to quarantine ourselves in case we get it I ’ m not paying for 2 weeks of a hotel too much money !
?
Anyone got any answers to this ?
?
?
If I have to stay in my truck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truck stop for shower and food then you ’ ll get it makes no sense maybe I ’ m paranoid but we are all thinking this.
” —asphaltcowboy4x4 “ Normal high-volume areas are dead .
Or the rates sank .
I was just at a shipper and normally it ’ s not busy but a lot of the megas dedicated cheap hauls are stopped and now they are booking the same load as me but for 1/4 of what I haul it for !
Now that $ 4.70 a mile I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mile because megas will haul it that cheap .
But it ’ s all good I think when I get home tonight I ’ ll just stay at home the next couple of weeks and fish.
” —379_LARGECAR “ I think that being on the road , away from any base of support is a bad situation .
Think about it , you are in the truck with your food and water , hopefully you have at least a few days of it , and then you are stuck somewhere and unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually sick , it will be a bad deal all around .
“ Also , being a good company driver who follows company rules , you have no way of defending yourself against people with ill intent who might want to do you harm for whatever the reason .
“ Just some stuff to think about if things deteriorate in the just in time supply chain.
” —VA CDL HOLDER 12 .
“ It ’ s sort of like being a soldier off to war.
” “ It ’ s not good to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trucker unable to use modern toilets .
Besides it only takes one offended person calling the law to arrest you for indecent exposure and so forth .
With the way things are today you DO NOT want that problem .
YOU WILL guaranteed to get infected in Jail packed in like sardines .
( They don ’ t care .
They can bury you or release you .
It ’ s all the same to them . )
“ The problem with this covid19 is that infection is already present inside you for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it passed on to others .
You do a job in trucking that keeps America rolling , even now more than ever .
Sort of as a Soldier off to war .
It may be a temporary war for three months or a permanent situation lasting three years or forever to all humans .
“ The problem is that we have been just in time for far too long .
That needs to be scrapped in favor of warehouses FULL ready to go and load 100 trucks in 8 hours .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crashing the NY Dept of Labor website which renders any ability to get benefit before April rent is due MOOT .
They will be homeless .
Wall Street Expects 10 million unemployed by August .
“ It would be so easy to replace you in that truck should you get really sick and must stop driving as a casualty of the Covid19 .
Don ’ t worry , that rig will keep rolling .
There is 50 more lining up behind you waiting until you drop .
If you should .
“ Again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections , I may be infected already myself .
I don ’ t know until the body gives me a reason to suspect it .
Its early yet in the overall battle.
” —x1Heavy 13 .
“ I ’ m wondering how many shipping containers that left Asia six months ago are just now being opened at warehouses all across the country.
” “ I ’ ve had a certain degree of schadenfreude about this .
“ Being a ‘ poor dumb trucker ’ it seems to be infecting the educated elites for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people that travel to China ( a country that hates us , pollutes , steals our manufacturing , and manipulates currency , ) on a regular basis .
I went to Canada twice .
“ ( ‘ Oh Muffy , it ’ s so nice to avoid that ‘ flyover country ’ !
’ ) “ Oddly enough , although I usually work NY , I was stranded on a layover in Wisconsin ( because I told my dispatcher if I had a delivery on Friday I ’ d never get a same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t very high on coronavirus hotspots ( excluding Chicago ) “ And because I had multiple stops on the return load I meandered through rural Ohio for 2 days that seemed a million miles away from the issue ( plus no tv and intermittent radio stations , so I wasn ’ t subjected to 24/7 MSM panic . )
“ But some of my friends are more conspiratorial about the virus ( bio weapon , Chinese disinformation , etc . )
and are going stage 3 prepper .
“ Meanwhile I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asia six months ago are just now being opened at warehouses all across the country .
What boxes the last guy to go through the salad bar at the iron skillet might have touched while unloading , and how completely unprepared this government would be if the pandemic traveled via truck vs airline.
” —Infosaur “ Just saw the first person wearing a mask , at Poarch Truckstop in Atmore Al .
Wife wants to spend $ 160 on 3 , advertised on the Internet .
I say , NO Way , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spend the $ 160 on a stock that ’ s currently down .
The debate continues .
The fact that it could be spreading now , without knowing yet , is concerning .
I ’ m a doubting Thomas , no need to panic , yet .
Y2K , The polar reversal , WW3 , SARS , What worries Me more is People ’ s mentality , when driven by fear .
A pending snow storm , and they ’ re fighting over bread and water .
Had a Guy try to steal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my wife in line at grocery once .
She had 3 gallons , he had about 20 gallons , but wanted 1 more .
Hmmmm that ’ s worrisome .
Panic is a very dangerous thing .
The only thing that concerns Me , about this situation.
” —Rideandrepair 15 .
“ I have 40-50 people sitting behind me in a closed , climate-controlled environment .
Quite the breeding ground to start a localized outbreak.
” “ I drive a motor coach , and am local more than I ’ m out overnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to worry about ending up in a quarantine situation ( or being sick on the road ) away from home , but , I have 40-50 people sitting behind me in a closed , climate-controlled environment .
Quite the breeding ground to start a localized outbreak .
With the airlines cancelling flights , and people becoming more and more afraid to travel , I suspect that work ( which has been scarce all winter ) will become equally scarce even during the meat of our tour season .
“ I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panicking , but I do believe the situation gets worse before it gets better , and is something we are going to have to try and ride out , for better or for worse.
” —Voyager1968 16 .
“ I ’ m almost out of hand sanitizer and noticed all the truck stops have been sold out all week.
” “ I made a quick stop at the Pilot in Nitro , WV last night , and a driver was yelling at the Arby ’ s staff to change their gloves and wash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying , “ there ’ s too much goin ’ on right now.
” Meanwhile , he had his hands resting on the hand rail/line bar thingy , then touched his phone and his face .
“ So I ’ m almost out of hand sanitizer and noticed all the truck stops have been sold out all week .
I guess people finally decided to stop being slobs.
” —Boom Tube “ My orders pending summer delivery have been essentially vaporized .
The Chinese and other factories for those orders are not working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliver to me in time for summer deadline .
If at all .
“ USA is dusting off old wartime defense laws requiring production of certain items here in the USA now at any price .
The items WILL be produced .
“ Pharmacy tells me antibiotics and other medicines strictly made and sourced in China has vaporized in supply .
In a few months or less no one will have that stuff at any price such as blood thinners etc .
in the USA .
I am stockpiling out of existing medicines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each month so I can ride out any outages this year .
IF any .
So if Doc prescribed 120 of something , I use 30 and stick the rest into the safe against an unknown supply future .
Doc can try to prescribe something else but there is no point .
I ’ m already there at home providing for that future .
Just in case .
“ I worry about the Internet .
The National Grid at the Level3 and other very top-level providers of internet core .
If those start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then frankly we go back to playing board games here at the house .
No internet or technology needed or available .
There are two generations of people who don ’ t know how to function in such a world .
“ Weapons and ammunition etc .
have been stable a very long time in years .
It won ’ t be the first emergency we faced at the state level or higher .
Those who don ’ t have anything will storm the ammunition and guns sales soon enough .
I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies have admitted that they finally ran out of product .
Hand sanitizer and one other item .
It will be a while before they make up more batches to ship .
Should not take too long while trucks slowly surround the shipping dept and sit for potentially days to load.
” —x1Heavy

A 2019 report concluded that when the economy is headed southward, the freight industry will be the first affected. The trucking industry, in particular, entered a recession two years earlier than the rest of the country eventually did in 2008.
With the recent unfolding coronavirus panic, the trucking industry has again been hit hard.
Here are 17 truckers discussing how the situation has affected them.
1. “If all the truck drivers just stop, the whole country is going to be stopped.”
“I heard on the news that everything was shutting down, the truck drivers can’t get any food, you can’t get a shower certain places because they are closing everything down, but we’re the ones out here delivering all the good and we can’t be treated any better than this? That’s not cool. Nothing is moving. So if all the truck drivers just stop, the whole country is going to be stopped because you can’t get anything in.” —Dia
2. “One of the biggest concerns for me is not having work.”
“One of the biggest concerns for me is not having work. I have bills and other things that require me to drive, load, and unload product. Being under a quarantine or in a hospital, or even stuck in the truck for two weeks to let the virus run its course, would harm me as I wouldn’t be able to efficiently do my job.” —Anonymous
3. “I have been questioned twice about having the virus.”
“I have been questioned twice [by shipper customers] about having the virus and told I can’t enter if I may have come in contact with it.” —Anonymous
4. “Hope for the best, prep for the worst.”
“If you deliver to a city in the morning, but then that city goes into quarantine, you may be stuck in your truck.
“If you show up to pick up or deliver and appear sick, it might escalate. Hopefully you won’t get forcibly hauled off into an isolation unit.
“My wife & I are stocking the truck with several weeks of grocery/water/etc. in case we have to isolate somewhere.
“Or, if things break down to where the owner has no freight to run us and we deadhead wherever we feel is the best based on the current sitrep.
“Until then, we continue to run all 48 and hope for the best, prep for the worst.
“Keep it simple: You will be exposed at some point. You will either get sick or not. If you get sick you either survive, or not.
“My biggest worry is when the outbreak gets to the point that the economy shuts down. Drivers start getting sick, go into quarantine along with truck.
“Driver goes into Seattle to deliver but the city goes into quarantine and no one leaves….
“Shippers and receivers shutting down for covid19…
“Travel restrictions….
“When you do get sick, do you isolate at a truck stop and ride it out? At what point do you call 911?
“These are the questions keeping me awake.” —rickyboricky
5. “Before it gets better, it’s going to get worse.”
“Before it gets better, it’s going to get worse. We’re really gonna struggle. We do have a little bit of savings, but it’s not going to last that long. If I can’t move my legs or arms, I’ll definitely stay home. But if I only have a cough or have a fever, I would get up and go to work, because I can’t afford to stay home.” —Josue
“In an overnight frenzy, the whole touring industry came to a halt. Singers, comedians, sports, everything that involved touring. Our shows have been canceled and or postponed until at least the end of the summer. Now, I’m left picking up the pieces — trying to keep my new wife happy and trusting in me that I’ll find another job. This is hard. Overnight, mine and thousands of others’ lives fell apart.” —David
6. “Where does a person like me turn for aid?”
“With all the talks in the news from the president about help for working families affected by the outbreak, there hasn’t been any talks about the owner-operator with one truck and a family. Where does that person turn to for aid during this time?”
—Chad
7. “Be kind to those drivers.”
“Without trucks, the nationwide shortage of toilet paper, paper Towels, food, hand sanitizers, canned goods will never be replenished. In times like these the trucking industry will bring us life’s essentials no matter what conditions. Remember to thank a professional driver when you go to the store to restock your home.
“Myself and all of my fellow professional drivers are doing all we can to get your essentials to the stores. Please be patient, give the trucks plenty of room, and be kind to those drivers. They are working extra hard for every citizen in this country!” —Thomas
8. “Let’s hear it for the truckers.”
“A ton of people are giving shout outs to healthcare and first responders during this current climate. Let’s also remember the over the road truckers who still climb in their tractor rig every 12 hours with loads of food, TP, medical supplies, cleaning supplies, and pretty much everything this nation runs on and deliver it quickly and efficiently. Those truckers live isolated lives which minimizes exposure, you want to see the U.S. get crippled? Those trucks stopping would stop everything including basic health care folks.”
“So let’s hear it for the truckers.” —Anthony
9. “I used plastic gloves when pumping diesel.”
“I read that travelers and healthcare workers are at higher risk, we are travelers first. The rest areas and truck stops are travel centers used by thousands of people daily, imo our biggest threat for contamination, waiting in line for miserable washrooms, showers, fast foods, even around coffee machines. Over past couple of weeks, I stooped for fueling only, used plastic gloves pumping diesel picked the fuel receipt and move, sleep on ramps, I got some food from home, fruits water some instant coffee, and satisfied my needs in bushes, it’s natural good for plants, and safer.” —Johny41
“I do feel like that over time you’ll see that after the initial scare, things will get back to normal. It’s just a matter of time, you know it’s gonna take a few days to get that back on track.” —Donna
10. “Everything at every store is sold out.”
“Like my company won’t say much they will pay us for time for sick pay if we get the virus but I’m young and won’t have serious issues but will need to quarantine myself now the heck would I do that in my truck with limited food no shower??? Would the government pay for a nice hotel room for me? With free food delivery!? I mean I’m not gonna go to a hospital and waste a bed and I hate hospitals what are we gonna do as truckers if we catch this COVID 19 stuff?? Hell I can’t even stock up my truck because everything at every store is sold out spent 3 hours store to store today to get nothing no water or milk or rice and canned foods that we truckers need since we don’t exactly have a darn kitchen.!!! Who cares about us how are we supposed to quarantine ourselves in case we get it I’m not paying for 2 weeks of a hotel too much money!? Anyone got any answers to this??? If I have to stay in my truck I’m gonna go to truck stop for shower and food then you’ll get it makes no sense maybe I’m paranoid but we are all thinking this.” —asphaltcowboy4x4
11. “Normal high-volume areas are dead.”
“Normal high-volume areas are dead. Or the rates sank. I was just at a shipper and normally it’s not busy but a lot of the megas dedicated cheap hauls are stopped and now they are booking the same load as me but for 1/4 of what I haul it for! Now that $4.70 a mile I’m hauling it for will become $1.20 a mile because megas will haul it that cheap. But it’s all good I think when I get home tonight I’ll just stay at home the next couple of weeks and fish.” —379_LARGECAR
“I think that being on the road, away from any base of support is a bad situation. Think about it, you are in the truck with your food and water, hopefully you have at least a few days of it, and then you are stuck somewhere and unable to resupply yourself. If you are actually sick, it will be a bad deal all around.
“Also, being a good company driver who follows company rules, you have no way of defending yourself against people with ill intent who might want to do you harm for whatever the reason.
“Just some stuff to think about if things deteriorate in the just in time supply chain.” —VA CDL HOLDER
12. “It’s sort of like being a soldier off to war.”
“It’s not good to maintain a negative stereotype of a filthy trucker unable to use modern toilets. Besides it only takes one offended person calling the law to arrest you for indecent exposure and so forth. With the way things are today you DO NOT want that problem. YOU WILL guaranteed to get infected in Jail packed in like sardines. (They don’t care. They can bury you or release you. It’s all the same to them.)
“The problem with this covid19 is that infection is already present inside you for weeks before you know anything is wrong and it passed on to others. You do a job in trucking that keeps America rolling, even now more than ever. Sort of as a Soldier off to war. It may be a temporary war for three months or a permanent situation lasting three years or forever to all humans.
“The problem is that we have been just in time for far too long. That needs to be scrapped in favor of warehouses FULL ready to go and load 100 trucks in 8 hours. There are already tens of thousands of unemployed crashing the NY Dept of Labor website which renders any ability to get benefit before April rent is due MOOT. They will be homeless. Wall Street Expects 10 million unemployed by August.
“It would be so easy to replace you in that truck should you get really sick and must stop driving as a casualty of the Covid19. Don’t worry, that rig will keep rolling. There is 50 more lining up behind you waiting until you drop. If you should.
“Again, we cannot really halt the infections, I may be infected already myself. I don’t know until the body gives me a reason to suspect it. Its early yet in the overall battle.” —x1Heavy
13. “I’m wondering how many shipping containers that left Asia six months ago are just now being opened at warehouses all across the country.”
“I’ve had a certain degree of schadenfreude about this.
“Being a ‘poor dumb trucker’ it seems to be infecting the educated elites for now.
“First it was these people that travel to China (a country that hates us, pollutes, steals our manufacturing, and manipulates currency,) on a regular basis. I went to Canada twice.
“Then it affected air travelers.
“(‘Oh Muffy, it’s so nice to avoid that ‘flyover country’!’)
“And now it’s hitting coastal cities.
“Oddly enough, although I usually work NY, I was stranded on a layover in Wisconsin (because I told my dispatcher if I had a delivery on Friday I’d never get a same day reload!) which wasn’t very high on coronavirus hotspots (excluding Chicago)
“And because I had multiple stops on the return load I meandered through rural Ohio for 2 days that seemed a million miles away from the issue (plus no tv and intermittent radio stations, so I wasn’t subjected to 24/7 MSM panic.)
“But some of my friends are more conspiratorial about the virus (bio weapon, Chinese disinformation, etc.) and are going stage 3 prepper.
“Meanwhile I’m wondering how many shipping containers that left Asia six months ago are just now being opened at warehouses all across the country. What boxes the last guy to go through the salad bar at the iron skillet might have touched while unloading, and how completely unprepared this government would be if the pandemic traveled via truck vs airline.” —Infosaur
14. “Panic is a very dangerous thing.”
“Just saw the first person wearing a mask, at Poarch Truckstop in Atmore Al. Wife wants to spend $160 on 3, advertised on the Internet. I say, NO Way, I’d rather take my chances, spend the $160 on a stock that’s currently down. The debate continues. The fact that it could be spreading now, without knowing yet, is concerning. I’m a doubting Thomas, no need to panic, yet. Y2K, The polar reversal, WW3, SARS, What worries Me more is People’s mentality, when driven by fear. A pending snow storm, and they’re fighting over bread and water. Had a Guy try to steal one gallon of drinking water, from my wife in line at grocery once. She had 3 gallons, he had about 20 gallons, but wanted 1 more. Hmmmm that’s worrisome. Panic is a very dangerous thing. The only thing that concerns Me, about this situation.” —Rideandrepair
15. “I have 40-50 people sitting behind me in a closed, climate-controlled environment. Quite the breeding ground to start a localized outbreak.”
“I drive a motor coach, and am local more than I’m out overnight, so I don’t really have to worry about ending up in a quarantine situation (or being sick on the road) away from home, but, I have 40-50 people sitting behind me in a closed, climate-controlled environment. Quite the breeding ground to start a localized outbreak. With the airlines cancelling flights, and people becoming more and more afraid to travel, I suspect that work (which has been scarce all winter) will become equally scarce even during the meat of our tour season.
“I’m not afraid of getting sick, or panicking, but I do believe the situation gets worse before it gets better, and is something we are going to have to try and ride out, for better or for worse.” —Voyager1968
16. “I’m almost out of hand sanitizer and noticed all the truck stops have been sold out all week.”
“I made a quick stop at the Pilot in Nitro, WV last night, and a driver was yelling at the Arby’s staff to change their gloves and wash their hands several times. He kept saying, “there’s too much goin’ on right now.” Meanwhile, he had his hands resting on the hand rail/line bar thingy, then touched his phone and his face.
“So I’m almost out of hand sanitizer and noticed all the truck stops have been sold out all week. I guess people finally decided to stop being slobs.” —Boom Tube
17. “My orders pending summer delivery have been essentially vaporized.”
“My orders pending summer delivery have been essentially vaporized. The Chinese and other factories for those orders are not working now. They will NOT produce or deliver to me in time for summer deadline. If at all.
“USA is dusting off old wartime defense laws requiring production of certain items here in the USA now at any price. The items WILL be produced.
“Pharmacy tells me antibiotics and other medicines strictly made and sourced in China has vaporized in supply. In a few months or less no one will have that stuff at any price such as blood thinners etc. in the USA. I am stockpiling out of existing medicines prescribed to me at very small doses each month so I can ride out any outages this year. IF any. So if Doc prescribed 120 of something, I use 30 and stick the rest into the safe against an unknown supply future. Doc can try to prescribe something else but there is no point. I’m already there at home providing for that future. Just in case.
“I worry about the Internet. The National Grid at the Level3 and other very top-level providers of internet core. If those start getting disrupted, loaded down or whatever then frankly we go back to playing board games here at the house. No internet or technology needed or available. There are two generations of people who don’t know how to function in such a world.
“Weapons and ammunition etc. have been stable a very long time in years. It won’t be the first emergency we faced at the state level or higher. Those who don’t have anything will storm the ammunition and guns sales soon enough. I don’t need to….
“Two companies have admitted that they finally ran out of product. Hand sanitizer and one other item. It will be a while before they make up more batches to ship. Should not take too long while trucks slowly surround the shipping dept and sit for potentially days to load.” —x1Heavy