For months the world has been forced into a unpredicted state, where social interactions are limited and fear looms over the recently discovered COVID virus. Many have reflected, and continue to reflect on what life was like prior to March of 2020, when Countries around the world went into their first nationwide lockdowns. During this timeframe, I too have reflected on what life was like prior to the lockdowns, and in particular the social interaction aspect of life. Specifically, where I was going and with who I was with. Given that March of 2020 was in confinement within my household for quite some time, and the restrictions continue on social gatherings, I find myself reminiscing about these events a lot. To answer my own question, I was thinking of all the restaurants and stores I would interact with family and friends at. In Greece and Greek culture, we do not socialize often by inviting others to our house for dinner, playing video games after school together, or playing within the household (primarily as children). Instead, Greeks opt for meeting each other at restaurants and group shop on the weekends as a form of socialization. This is linked to how they are very extroverted people, rather than spending their time confined to the limitations of their home.
There is no need to excessively spend while meeting your friends for lunch at a cafe or while browsing a store, as Greeks just go for a cafe and buy a small accessory weekly while out with their friends. It is the idea of being seen out, enjoying the outdoors, and seeing other life go on are reasons why the Greeks choose to be out rather than in socially. While at a cafe, instead of a quick meet up, the Greeks take their time and enjoy the scene, and talk for hours with their company. As for the shopping aspect, browsing through your local mall and shopping district takes up a whole afternoon as well. There is no rush to get these errands or social opportunities done, as the Greeks enjoy every moment they have around each other. It is indeed a slower paced lifestyle, as most Americans would go stir crazy after sitting at the same table for 2+ hours and just having ordered, but one to be appreciated. The simplicity of these two activities of their social lives contributes to the peaceful and friendly nature of the Greeks. These are inexpensive activities that one can never get tired of, hence why the Greeks continue to enjoy them.
As vaccines begin to be distributed in their initial doses, I look forward to the normalization of society, but mainly the socialization aspect. There is no better feeling mentally than being surrounded by friends and family who care about you, while enjoying the warm air at a cafe on a Saturday afternoon. Not to mention, the amazing feeling one gets from walking around on the waterfront with your friends seeing the world on a warm and sunny afternoon. Greece is paradise for all who enjoy warm weather, the water, and a relaxed lifestyle. Although these areas of life all speak to my personality, a reserved personality who enjoys the mediterranean climate, I must now wait in preparation until life is restored and it is safe to do so. My memory is filled with these fond moments that are carrying me over until I can make more of them. Enjoy life by surrounding yourself with positivity, such as the Greek lifestyle mentioned, there is no better feeling. Once deemed safe, I encourage all readers who are not familiar with this form of socialization to practice it yourself, as you will not feel lonely or miss out on life. Happy Holidays to my readers and please stay healthy during these times.
SKG.7 