In days past, we fought with swords and daggers. If you met somebody, and wanted to show that you do not mean them harm, you greet them with an open hand.

To show somebody you care, you smile. To show somebody love, you embrace them.

That was the old way, and we cannot do this now.

If you truly mean somebody no harm, you do not shake hands. You apply hand sanitiser and do not touch them.

If you truly care for someone, they do not see you smile, because you're wearing a mask.

If you want to show love, you refrain from embracing and stand distant from them.

That is the way it must be, and it will be for months to come. We're not mentally equipped to adapt to this. Even when our heads understand it, our hearts do not.

The only way we can get through this, and get through it together, is to be kind to each other. Be patient. Be considerate. To the point of it being excessively so. Some are struggling more than others, and the most fragile of us might be too lonely, scared or ashamed to speak up or ask for help. So we need to offer without asking, to be good neighbours and good family. Each and every one of us. Meet each person, not halfway, but meet them where they are. Make allowances before being ask. Think the best of people, instead of assuming the worst.

Please be kind to each other.