With being in a global pandemic since March, resentment is high throughout the country. Many do not know where to direct their anger and frustration. Some focus on political figures and others on members of their local communities. 

However, this is a time of extreme uncertainty. Regulations and information change by the day, so even those in power are flying blind. Nobody knows the right answer when it comes to rules regarding business, schools, or even family gatherings. Obviously, everyone wants to go back to normal, but it is simply not feasible. 

It seems that no matter what leaders do, they get scrutinized. Those who want schools to close will yell if they are open, those who want them to stay open will yell if they close. This puts immense pressure on leaders to make a decision that will never be totally well received. I do not think that constant arguing will solve this issue; instead, we need to respect each other as a community and try our best to get through this together.  

I do not think there is a right answer or a distinct line between right and wrong. I think that everyone should do what they are most comfortable with while taking precautions. For example, if a family does not believe that the hybrid school model is safe, they have the option to do fully at-home learning. Same with a more simple activity like going to the grocery store; if you see fit you can go shopping for yourself, or you can use a home delivery program instead.

The same goes for holiday dinners: if a family can see each other and be socially distant (, for example, a family at one table and grandparents at the other), it, may be a good option for them to get together safely. We all know how emotionally draining COVID is, and I agree that people need some sort of normalcy in their lives. 

I think it is hard to draw a line and stick to it regarding the rules because of how much we learn about the virus every day. For example, while at the beginning of COVID some thought a way to stay safe from COVID was to intensely wash groceries, we now know that it is mostly spread through respiratory pathways (according to the CDC). 

My solution to COVID stress is to simply understand that everyone is trying their best. Try taking a backseat for the rest of 2020 or however long this pandemic goes, and remember to wear your mask and stay six feet apart from others. We are all trying our best in these tricky times.