DEAR Jasminda,

Well, here we are – opening up week.

It should be a time of excitement, but I am actually thinking I quite enjoyed lockdown. The place was less congested.

The kids were happier being at home.

Learner driving instruction was a breeze with less cars on the road.

We realised the importance of exercise again and we didn’t have to catch up with people or make excuses not to.

What are your thoughts?

Mr Barry V.

Barry, the pandemic has really been a time to shine for those who have reclusive natures.

It became not only acceptable to be a hermit and avoid others, but you were commended for it.

When did you think you would hear the words, ‘Barry, you have to work from home’, interspersing your meetings with time with your cat and your Diecast models and your Chillaxed playlist without any need to drive through peak hour traffic, listen to Roger from marketing rant about his latest Tinder date, take out the office bin for Mariah with her dodgy hip and all the other daily interactions you could do without.

And, on top of it all, you got paid.

Paid to stay home.

What fresh new nirvana is that for someone who has lived a life of avoidance.

It’s tough, Barry.

As a writer, I have intentionally chosen the life of a recluse and now you’ve all discovered the hidden joys of working from home – only needing to be dressed professionally from the waist up, exercise breaks, no interruptions, no workplace illnesses from some snotty-nosed accountant who thinks he’s so important that he has to soldier on and infect the entire workplace.

What’s not to love?

This logic doesn’t work, however, for those in hands-on jobs.

You can’t build a house from your office, or take blood, or pick and pack orders, or deliver furniture and food.

So, unfortunately, Barry, this utopia you speak of is unsustainable for many, but if you can continue to get away with it, good luck to you.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.