The Eyes Have It

Relationships through a mask

My first attraction to people has always been through their eyes. Whether it was romantic relationships or lasting friendships, my initial glimpse into a person I met was by looking into their eyes.

Suddenly, I’ve been faced with how that has become a reality for not just me. As we move into a masked society for the foreseeable future, we don’t get to see as much about a person as we once did. Gone are smiles and frowns, white or crooked teeth, dimples and wrinkles.

These thoughts went through my mind as I passed through the building my doctor is in last week. They were practicing excellent social distancing, to the point where everyone remained six feet apart, masked, and tested for temperatures. People politely nodded without acknowledging each other in any other way.

What exactly we are supposed to do in these situations is new to everyone, but the effects are really going to be felt in new relationships. I can’t help but wonder if they will become fewer and far between.

I’ve always been an outgoing person ready to strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to me in a waiting room or in line at the supermarket. I once even enjoyed my conversation with an uber driver so much I invited her to dinner. We are still friends four years later.