“How are you holding up?”

Abstract

Nearly two months into the era of physical distancing, self-isolation and quarantines, I still find myself asking those around me: “How are you holding up?” Living during the COVID-19 pandemic is a new experience for most of us, and I want to know how you and everyone else is holding up - as much out of concern as out of curiosity. Is how we’re coping normal? Is my normal your normal? What does ‘normal’ even mean anymore? And will we ever find our way back to a common understanding of it?