COVID-19 has confined millions of Americans to their homes. As I grapple with this new reality of isolation, I desperately want one thing: to not be in isolation. The community is fractured, and, as i have come to know, being connected only through virtual relationships pales in comparison to interpersonal interaction.
As the government tells citizens to stay indoors, I have to wonder what will happen to my beloved benches. Will I decay a little more each day as the monotony and suppressed feelings of loneliness grow stronger? More importantly, how can I write a blog when I am not allowed to visit any benches? I could potentially write about my daily adbenchure in which I leave my bed and migrate to my couch (which is technically a cushioned bench), but that is both boring and a slightly embarrassing ritual.
Unfortunately, benches are not exempt from quarantine. If you are in an area that permits outdoor activity, benches could offer an outdoor reprieve to indoor solitude. In general, it is best practice to avoid parks and public places, but if you feel drawn to any benches, make sure to spread out. Most benches fall short of the 6ft mark, making them incompatible with CDC guidelines. It also important to be conscious of the surfaces and armholders that you may have touched.
At the moment, my adbenchures will have to stop. However, my blog and love of benches will not. Just because bench access is limited does not mean there are not benches to meet.
Through the next few weeks, I will continue to offer a variety of content such as pre-visited bench reviews, bench etiquette, thoughts from the bench, and more. Though it will be a few more weeks until you can visit a bench, I hope my blog posts take you on digital adventures that supply enough virtual engagement to supplement a real adbenchure.
lets go on an ad•bench•ure 