"In the years following the COVID-19 lockdowns, asking someone out for plans felt daunting, new activities sounded intimidating, and expanding my horizons seemed unsettling. What if people didn't want to hang out with me? What if I tried something new and I was bad at it? What if I ventured out of the house and didn't like it?"
"However, boredom and restlessness got the best of me. I eventually grew weary from scrolling through Instagram Reels, cycling through the same hangout spots, and typing out a text inviting someone to an event with me only to erase it with a sigh."
"At first, these suggestions are almost always rejected. Students feel shy, skeptical, and too comfortable with the familiar. However, because kids are hardwired to be curious and adventurous, they soon branch out. They say yes. And the pay-off is immediate as they experience the joys of meeting someone new, trying something new, and going somewhere new."
A preschool teacher recognized a contradiction between encouraging students to embrace new experiences and avoiding them personally. Post-pandemic anxiety about social rejection and failure created hesitation toward new activities and social invitations. Burnout from repetitive routines and excessive phone use prompted a deliberate shift toward accepting opportunities. By saying yes to new social events, activities, and places, the teacher expanded their local friend circle, reduced screen time dependency, and discovered genuine enjoyment in novel experiences. This mirrors the natural curiosity and adventurousness children display when encouraged to try unfamiliar things, demonstrating that intentional openness to new experiences yields immediate and meaningful rewards.
Read at Business Insider
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