How to Handle Everything You Had to Cancel Due to the Pandemic
Hi and welcome to our How to Put Your Life Back Together series, i.e. good advice for post-pandemic times. Explore more here, or click the "next story" button at the bottom of this one.
One of the things that really took a hit due to the pandemic: Our social lives. From girl's trips to graduation ceremonies, everything was canceled. Here, some advice from those who figured out.
A WEDDING
“The thought of replanning everything made me completely overwhelmed, so after weighing the options, I nixed the entire thing. We took the $60K (why, the fuck, did I think we needed so many different types of oysters?) we would have spent and used it to buy a house.”
—Heather, Columbus, Ohio
A VACATION
“Instead of fighting to get my money back, I asked if there was any incentive if I agreed to a credit versus a refund. The airline allowed me to rebook my flight anytime in the next year with no penalties and also gave me a $500 voucher to use on a future flight. And the hotel upgraded my just-okay room to a suite for whenever I decide to travel.”
—Andrea (hi, yes, the one who wrote this), Jersey City, New Jersey
A GRADUATION
“I started using the fact that my last semester of college was ruined as a nice breaker with job recruiters. I’ve actually gotten quite a few responses. People feel bad and want to help. Even though the situation sucks, I may as well work it to my advantage.”
—Amanda, Orlando, Florida
A BIG RACE
“I was supposed to run the Brooklyn Half Marathon in May which clearly is just not going to happen right now. Even though the race was canceled, running is not: So I'm still doing all the race routes I was planning to; I even DIY my own bibs. While I miss the start line and the feeling of lacing up with hundreds of other runners, running has always been its own race. The goal is to push yourself and fight really hard, for a few seconds or a few miles, and prove to yourself that you can do it."
—Amelia, Queens, New York
A LEASE
“My boyfriend and I were planning to move in together in April. My lease was ending and his roommate was planning to move out, so it just seemed like perfect timing. Then, when the pandemic lockdowns happened in New York City, the roommate changed his mind about leaving. The apartment just isn’t big enough for three people. My only choice: Move back in with my parents. That actually turned out to be the best case scenario. I have zero expenses and have been able to save money."
— Maria, Manhattan, New York
Art by David Stenbeck. Courtesy of Jenn Singer Gallery.
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