Obviously, I had to change the title here, but it’s true, no-one has their shit together right now. If you say you have, you’re lying. Not many people I know are handling this Covid-19 situation well. Not men, not women, not young people, not if you’re in your 30’s, 40’s, 50’s or beyond.

So many people are running online classes and the like. But I’m not often in the mood to workout, or learn writing tips, or learn crafty things or whatever. And that is okay.

I’m anxious about having left the place I rent as I am currently staying with my parents. Anxiety about my post is one thing:

• Have I had a bunch of parking tickets?
• Has my bank been trying to contact me?

And then there is:

• When will I read Girl, Woman, Other which is waiting patiently on my shelf?
• When will those beauty products be used?
• Am I going to wear the same three pairs of clothes for the next two months?
• Will I do my nails again?
• Did I leave flowers on my desk? Have they gone all mouldy?
• Will I still be able to use my Elemis voucher?
• Will my fella be able to use his massage voucher?

I mean I could go back for the day but what if I get stopped by the police? What if I encounter someone that’s been out and carrying coronavirus and pass it on to my parents?

What I’m trying to say is that it’s okay not to be okay. If you’re using this time to evaluate who’s there for you, who’s checking on you, then daffa ho jao (basically, do one). I’m sorry it’s pretty narcissistic of you. People are barely getting through the days right now. People are focusing on getting through one day at a time and I’ve seen too many posts of people complaining that people aren’t checking in on them. They probably have their own shit going on. Just because you’re not talking every day doesn’t mean they aren’t there for you, they just need to have time on their own. Let them. When this is all over (I’m hoping sometime in this decade) then you’ll be back to normal.

For now, do you. Do what you need to. If you need to wallow that’s okay. If you need to do every workout, watch every IG live, take part in every craft session to keep your mind occupied, then do it. Do what’s right for you. You don’t have to talk to your other half or friends or family, as long as you tell them that it’s not them, do it. If you need to watch Ae Dil Hai Mushkil everyday as therapy, do it. You don’t have to take part in that family quiz every week. I mean, all I do is watch Sex and the City and eat Pringles, who cares. Oh, and Four More Shots Please which is like the Indian SATC – season 2 is brilliant! (the girls and I are totally starting the Kirti Kulhari fan club – isn’t she amazing!).

This isn’t to say don’t check up on friends. If you want to, if you have the energy and emotional capability and you feel someone needs you, then do it. We’re all in this together and we’ll be okay.

Be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling low. We all are. We are all in the same boat.

Much love. Stay home. We will get through this. x

Priya Mulji