As we’ve been asked to “stay home” in the current crisis, there’s been an interesting response. Some people haven’t listened.

It isn’t interesting because it’s happening. Some percentage of people will try to rebel against any guideline, particularly the type that doesn’t pose a visible threat.

The interesting thing is how out of touch the reasoning is.

The prevailing opinion is that a healthy, young individual is most likely to be alright, even if they contract the COVID-19 virus. People use this apparent invincibility to justify going out because they aren’t afraid of the virus, which somewhat makes sense.

If they’re only thinking about themselves.

But this mindset misses the whole point of “stay home,” “social distancing,” “quarantine,” or whatever you want to call it – it’s about playing our part.

By getting sick, we do more than simply putting ourselves in a compromised position. We prolong the presence of the disease and put everyone around us at risk, including those who aren’t fortunate enough to be young and healthy.

Staying inside isn’t about us. It’s about our role in society.

It’s easy to overlook the distinction thanks to the me-centered society we live in, but we’re doing our family, friends, and neighbors a disservice if we do.

-Brandon