Do My Friends Wear Pants?

I know that most people are feeling Zoomed out. I know that I am supposed to feel that way too. I know that nothing replaces real in person human interaction. I mean I did tear up when first reunited with friends in person, albeit outside and six feet apart, back in summer 2020. But I have also noticed that I have developed real working relationships, real friendships, real feelings for people I have only interacted with on Zoom (and other streaming platforms!) Is that weird? Am I creepy? I might be.

I’ve seen most of the Zoom jokes and memes — about what a Zoom meeting would translate into in real life complete with attendees wearing just underwear or sweatpants or spontaneously screaming at their kids while using the bathroom all the while presenting a power point deck.

I was an early follower of Room Rater feeling a connection to Senator Claire McCaskill on Morning Joe as I had my coffee in my kitchen while watching her comment on the latest news while she sat in her kitchen with her fresh baked goods displayed nearby under a glass cake dome. I took note of her political acumen and her latest homemade coffee cake. I became just a little obsessed with Jimmy Fallon’s at home slide, arcade games and home office wallpaper. I may have spent more time than the average person trying to figure out where I could purchase a similar patterned wallpaper. Something about seeing Jimmy work in his home made me feel like I knew him, like maybe we were friends? I think we could be good friends. Same with Senator McCaskill. I also bake — a lot!