In times of great need, while wars lasted or prohibitions, while one could hardly buy anything material, it was always the human gatherings that could counteract the hardship. Those who had nothing still had each other. We know that in times of great depression, parties were still celebrated, that dance and music is something that costs nothing and that being together could replace what was missing - a richly laid table. Somehow, somewhere, you procured the things you needed for the common ritual of dancing and enjoying yourself. Today, people have cosy homes, stocked supermarket shelves, cars, gadgets, but the streets are deserted, the windows dark and hardly any mood for celebration.

After more than two years of isolation, it seems, people feel too weak and unmotivated to muster the energy for get-togethers, people have become accustomed to distance and are replacing the need for closeness with the internet. The division that runs through many personal and family relationships has contributed to this.
But what you say is true. I grew up in a home that regularly received guests. We had a full house on Sundays, relatives came in and out regularly. My parents also left the house - almost every evening - to visit friends or relatives.

Since we became parents ourselves, but did not continue this tradition as we moved to the big city, this proximity to relatives no longer existed and we preferred quiet evenings. Before becoming parents we had many parties, hosted countless get-togethers, but with the onset of starting a family this stopped and never returned to the previous level. My son never experienced us as revellers. I never would have thought that we might have been some bad role models and thought of getting into puberty will naturally set the course.

So far, it didn't. We don't see young people in our home, no one comes and he doesn't go anywhere, with one exception: the scouts. At least that has remained, but it only insufficiently replaces diversity.

I find it sad. But I hope, this will change again. I just cannot imagine that a life without social contact can be lived happily in the long run. I hope that biology kicks in eventually and the need for closeness will defeat the avoidance to meet other humans.

I wish you a happy New Year, no matter what.