I'd like to teach you about waving.

In order to feel less like a crazy person, I've been going for long walks every day. I did that pre-pandemic too, but they've gotten longer. Understandably, there are easily twice as many people out walking in the neighborhood as usual. Just seeing other humans nearby makes me so happy. I always smile and wave at everyone. I did that pre-pandemic too, but I've tried to be more intentional about it lately because I'm projecting my need for a hug on everyone else (but also, projection aside, I really do think everyone needs a hug at least half as much as I do). 

But, this part is so weird to me: so many people keep looking down at the ground and not making eye contact. As if you might catch it by waving. I'm not a medical expert, but I'm pretty sure you can't get COVID-19 from making eye contact or smiling or waving when you're on the other side of the street. That's never been listed as one of the ways to transmit it that I've seen. It's good that we're being cautious of each other and good to keep our distance, but if you've already decided to take the risk and go outside where other humans have walked and are out walking, acknowledging that you see another human being won't be the thing that gets you sick. 

We gotta acknowledge each other. So that we don't become hermits. Or develop more facial twitches. And also because we don't hate each other. And we're neighbors!

I can tell you more about waving. All you have to do is slightly elevate an arm and move it from one side to another side. There are actually a lot of different kinds of waves. You could practice new ones every day. Homecoming queen style? Super enthusiastic? One that communicates we're about to be friends in several months when we can stand close enough to each other to hear the answer to "hey, how's it going?" A wave with the same level of enthusiasm as Daria trying to hit a volleyball? Head nod? Air fist bump? Just a quick movement of your hand that just barely qualifies as a wave? Be creative.

Too tired? In a pinch, you could even do an empathetic nod. Or a half smile and a mouthed hi.

We're in this together. The least we could do is wave.