It’s been over two and a half years since the pandemic started, and we’re all feeling its effects in different ways. For some of us, it’s been a time of reflection and growth, while for others it’s been a time of anxiety and depression. But one thing that we can all agree on is that the pandemic has changed us, in one way or another.
In his April 1, 2021, New York Times column titled “How Covid Can Change Your Personality,” David Brooks takes a look at how the pandemic has affected our personalities. He believes that there are four main ways in which our personalities have been changed by the events of the past year.
First, he observes that the pandemic has made us more introspective. We’ve had more time to think about our lives and what we want from them. We’ve also been forced to confront our mortality in a way that we haven’t had before. This has led us to reassess our priorities and make changes in our lives that we might not have otherwise made.
Second, the pandemic has made us more compassionate. We’ve seen firsthand the effects of the virus on our loved ones and strangers, and we’ve been moved by their stories. We’re also more aware of the plight of others who are suffering from the pandemic, both here in the United States and around the world.
Third, the pandemic has made us more grateful. We’re appreciative of the things that we have, even though we may not have all that we want. We’re also grateful for the people in our lives who have been there for us during this difficult time.
Fourth, and finally, the pandemic has made us more resilient. We’ve had to adapt to a lot of changes over the past year, and we’ve learned that we can overcome challenges that we never thought we could.
This list is by no means exhaustive, but it does give a good sense of how the pandemic has changed us, both individually and collectively. It’s important to remember that these changes don’t have to be permanent; they’re just a reflection of where we are right now. But if we can take anything away from this experience, it’s that we’re capable of more than we ever thought possible.
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