Social Skills Deterioration due to Covid?

Maybe it's just me. Has anybody else noticed that it seems some people have difficulty with basic social interactions? I may be more sensitive to it after working from home for a year and half, but there are certain things that seem to occur more regularly than they used to. For example, when I walk down the hall if I see somebody I try to make eye contact and say hello. More than half the time people will avert their eyes and not say a word. And I just introduced myself to somebody and instead of saying her name she just said hi. I guess I shouldn't be picky. She did say hi after all. 

Train etiquette has been much worse as well. Loud talking, ignoring the quiet car rules, etc.

Two years of COVID has trained many of us to maintain social distancing as a means of avoiding infection.  Most of the time when I walk in my neighborhood, people seeing me up ahead usually cross to the other side of the street rather than walk past me.  I interpret this as their trying to keep my grey-haired self safe rather than their ignoring me for other reasons.  It is rare to see people who are not family units walking together or stopping in the street to chat.  It will take time for many of us to unlearn this protective behavior which may seem antisocial to observers.  

joan_crystal said:

Two years of COVID has trained many of us to maintain social distancing as a means of avoiding infection.  Most of the time when I walk in my neighborhood, people seeing me up ahead usually cross to the other side of the street rather than walk past me.  I interpret this as their trying to keep my grey-haired self safe rather than their ignoring me for other reasons.  It is rare to see people who are not family units walking together or stopping in the street to chat.  It will take time for many of us to unlearn this protective behavior which may seem antisocial to observers.  

That's understandable. I wear my mask around the office even though mandates have been lifted. The  people that tend to ignore me are the ones not wearing masks so I don't think it has to do with being concerned about catching Covid. 

jimmurphy said:

Train etiquette has been much worse as well. Loud talking, ignoring the quiet car rules, etc.

I force myself to get up at 4:50 so I make the 6:18am train. No issues on that train. The trip home isn't as smooth. 

Until the floods stopped public transport, we were seeing similar behaviours. People totally unaware of speech volumes, device volumes etc. Unfortunately, personal space is always invaded here.

jfinnegan said:

I force myself to get up at 4:50 so I make the 6:18am train. No issues on that train. The trip home isn't as smooth.