Something about the arrival of a global pandemic is changing the fabric of our communities.

I’m used to being the lady in grocery stores and gas stations who smiles and starts up a brief conversation with you for no good reason. I say hi, I comment on the weather, I bring up an interesting topic ever so briefly, and then I peace out and try to let you be on your way within a couple of minutes.

You do one of a few things:

• Nervously participate and try to escape quickly
• Reciprocate too hard and get weird
• Participate halfheartedly (most frequent)

The point is that I don’t get much reciprocity in these streets.

This past week, I’m getting record returns. I’ve never had so many genuine smiles mirrored back. Everyone is amped-up and paying attention to feelings.

I hope we quickly gain the tools and stances necessary to treat this new virus and any future viruses effectively, but I sure hope we keep this public kindness. Please and thank you.