COVID-19 City Tales: Milan. “My long-term relationship recently ended, so I had to not only get used to loneliness but also to try to not react destructively”.

A conversation with… Giulia, 31, Copywriter, Navigli. Self-isolated for 38 days.

Firstly, can you let me know if you are self-isolated or quarantined? How many days has it been?

I’m self-isolated and today is my 38th day of isolation.

Are you spending it alone or with company?

I’m alone.

How are you coping with confinement?

My experience is very particular. Isolation began at a certain point in my life. My long-term relationship recently ended, so I had to not only get used to loneliness but also to try to react non-destructively. The only advice I can give is to not be too hard on yourself. It is important to set goals, to maintain good habits, but you also have to concede yourself a moment to let go when you feel down. Our frenetic lives are now static. Try to appreciate it and not put too much pressure on yourself is the least you can do for your mental health.

Describe the area where you live. Did you know your neighbors much before this happened? Has your relationship changed since this started?

I live in a small two-bedroom apartment in the area of Navigli. Generally, it’s a pretty crowded district. Lots of shops, bars and people everywhere. I really miss having a proper walk near the Naviglio Grande. I always had a good relationship with my neighbors and I still have it. Nothing changed, unless the fact that I can’t play with my neighbor’s kids anymore and Miss Marina, the old lady who lives beside me, doesn’t go out for a smoke anymore. They know I’m here if they need me. And that’s enough.

What was the last thing you did before isolating?

I went to the park and read a book. It was February but I was graced by a springy sunny day. Pretty lucky, don’t you think?

Do you miss the outdoors? Why?

I miss them A LOT. I love going out with my friends and go to gigs. I adore going to the cinema and I miss my improv lessons as the air, but the thing I miss the most is simply walking around the city without a specific purpose.

Do you agree with the way your Government has handled the crisis? What would you change?

I think they are trying to do their best and I am very thankful that we have a public health system and none is left alone, but we also need to be honest and face the problem that years and years of cuts to the Italian health system and a naive approach to the pandemic when it was just a “China problem” didn’t help the whole situation. We definitely need to invest whatever is necessary to increase the number of swabs and find as many positive people submerged as possible.

Do you think this will have positive consequences as well?

This could be positive if we accept the opportunity to change our current social structure into a more inclusive and egalitarian one (proportionally to the modification of the economic system that needs to happen). My fear is though that relationships between people have been irreparably compromised with the advent of social media and that social discontent and misinformation will be considerable obstacles in trying to build a truly more respectful world for the planet and the people in need.

Lastly, tell me something new you’ve learnt about yourself during isolation.

Some very simple things:

• I really need to do some physical exercise.
• Being alone is not as scary as it seems.
• Priorities can always change.
• God, I want a hug so badly.