By now, we are no strangers to masks, hand sanitizer, and social distancing. Rules put in place not only for our own safety but for the longevity of others. Rules that are necessary to move forward as a society and eventually allow us to shed our Personal Protective Equipment. Rules that are not followed by everyone, especially in the younger generation. Some call it a hoax, others call it the end of days, and some just want it over with. When COVID-19 hit early this year, it left many shaken. Some decided not to cancel their end of school year parties and rejoice after their long and hard schooling this year, while we saw the opposing side was flabbergasted. Just last week, I received an invitation to a 17th birthday bash, a place with more shared surfaces than I can count, with no safety regulations or reassurances. I just couldn’t wrap my head around the ideals of the person throwing this party. I chalked it up to rich white families and went on my way. I get the need for social contact, and human interaction. I get wanting to act as if everything is going to return to normal regardless of a high schooler’s actions. I even get wanting to make an appearance at an event or party to fill some social need, but what I simply do not get are the people who post endlessly about being properly safe and the government’s poor handling of the virus, and then are the very same people who are attending these large functions and (in some cases) even the ones throwing them. I’ve seen first hand the psychological effects this lockdown has produced in the people close to me. People flinch when others get remotely close, a party can sound like a death sentence, and getting caught without a mask at the wrong time could very much be the costliest choice you have ever made. It’s scary out here, so please wear your mask, wash your hands, and keep your distance.