17 Aug 2021

The pandemic has changed nearly every aspect of our lives. From the way we work, learn, eat, socialise, celebrate birthdays, even stepping foot outside our house - these changes have got us reflecting and thinking about how good we had it pre-lockdown.

For a brief time between major lockdowns, I took on the town as the clubs opened back up. It was the Easter long weekend, the queues for venues wrapped around buildings, sprawling at least a kilometer down. The vibes were at an all-time high. There was a particular aura in the air - you could sense that everyone was just so grateful for having a boogie and being with friends again.

 

I thought to myself, this must’ve been what it was like back in the roaring twenties (it scarily parallels because you know, 2020). I never thought I’d miss sticky dancefloors, the line for the loo or screaming over the music to tell the bartender my exxy drink order.

We’ve found ourselves yearning for things we thought we would never go without like social, tangible physical interactions and experiences we never really gave much thought to (or thought were quite mediocre). Yes, I do miss trying to get through sweaty crowds at festivals. Sue me.

Here is an updated list of all the small things we’re all missin’ and can’t wait to have back.

1. Music festivals and concerts

There’s nothing better than hearing some of your favourite artists live. The feeling right before they come on stage, deciding which merch t-shirt to get, the mosh pits, the exxy priced food trucks, losing and trying to find your mates… ah, those were some good times.

2. Overpriced drinks

Look, we hate ‘em and they are a bit of a joke but what’s a club without them charging astronomically high prices for drinks? Despite your wallet feeling lighter, we all shared some great times at the clubs and pubs. Don’t get me started on the prices for toppings on schnitzels - it’s criminal but I’d kill to smash a pub feed.

3. Going to the supermarkets without an agenda

I honestly miss standing in front of the refrigerated area, contemplating whether or not I should buy the more expensive branded yoghurt or get some lower tier one that's on special. Or what about deciding what Arnott's biscuits to get for the week? These are decisions that need a bit more time.

4. Giving and receiving hugs

Man, those were the days. When you could hug people without the 1.5 meter rule. Who knew we’d be missing those? Speaking of which, is it not a universally recognised occurrence when you meet with someone and they say “ah, I’d give you a handshake but y’know… this virus, hey?” then everyone awkwardly laughs for a bit afterwards? Oh, how the world has changed.

5. Going to school and university

Look, you’re lying if you’ve never said “I don’t want to go to classes today”. Online classes are extremely tough, especially if everyone is on mute and then the only thing they say is “bye” at the end of the call. How good does face-to-face learning sound now that it’s unavailable?

6. The adrenaline of running for the bus

Look, we hate it - we look like idiots running for the bus because we don’t want to look like we're that desperate for it but if we walk, we'd get to work late. Either way, we miss that morning rush!

7. Getting dressed up to take on the town

You’ve clocked off work and your besties are messaging you to hurry up and get ready. You’re showering, shaving, smelling great, popping on a fit you bought on the weekend, putting on some snazzy heels from Novo, boots from RM Williams or Adidas Stan Smiths and you're waiting for the Uber. Oh, and Ubers? We’re yearning for those “been busy tonight, mate?” chats again - as well as any interaction, really.

8. Family get togethers… even with that annoying cousin

Yes, that’s right - I miss sitting around a table with my non-immediate family, interrogating me on what I’m doing with my life. I miss the small-talk, this one awesome salad that’s made every year and just being around my loved ones. Even with that cousin that wants to play ping-pong all the time.

9. Haircuts and cosmetic maintenance

In lockdown, we start to realise we’re horrible at giving each other haircuts - who ever thought that was a good idea? What about waxing my eyebrows? Or buying myself press on nails? It’s first world problems, really. But that doesn’t mean we’re not keen to get back into the salon again!

10. Eating in restaurants with friends

Brunch or dinner - we’re not picky. We miss sitting down with our mates and eating just enough that we’d need to unbutton our jeans. Whether it’s fast food or a five course meal, we’ll never take either for granted ever again! Promise!

Until we get out of this predicament, we can only remember the good times, organise plans and look forward to making even better ones!