Jenni, I had a strong reaction to your post. As physicians our typical abilities to handle crises are being overwhelmed by this global crisis. Flexibly and creatively developing new protocols and procedures in order to maintain continuity of care and safety has become THE number one priority. The number of hours one has for self care and leisure must obviously decrease. Finding the most effective ways to recharge and stay healthy physically and emotionally are important. For me that means sleep, exercise, healthy food, time with family in my house, and then any diversions or hobbies like fashion or style. As soon as the forum becomes a burden or stress rather than fun, I will gracefully make an exit.
Regarding your concern about a Cultural “divide” between minimal Kiwi’s and materialistic North Americans I have two thoughts: 1. You of all people have influenced my awareness of the need to become more mindful and minimal with my wardrobe and in all areas of my life. Since November I have only purchased of a few items...SPF travel pants and shirt for my February trip to Florida, water shoes, new running sneakers and a couple replacement sports bras. My point, is that this forum serves as an excellent platform for someone like you to serve as a leader and to set an example. Bravo! Rather than be discouraged, I think you should continue to take a lead in the conversation. The idea will spread from forum members to people in their daily lives. Remember there are also lurkers who read and never comment, and you have influence over them as well. 2. IMO it is potentially divisive to split people into only two categories, materialistic, and minimal, and assume the divide is due to cultural influence. I am certain there is a full continuum going from minimal to materialistic in North Americans and probably among Kiwis as well. I can think of several North American forum members who maintain minimal wardrobes and spending habits. In terms of whether to shop or not during the pandemic, I agree there may be some cultural influence. The information people receive from news sources, local, state and federal governments is confusing and unclear and does not provide good guidance. There is a divide between the scientific/medical facts and the worry about the social/economic impact.
Regarding the possibility of hurting feelings if you do not like an outfit someone has posted. (Laying aside concerns about photo quality, and the differences between how items look IRL vs in a still picture.) I think YLF would be boring if everyone thought the same way, liked the same things and were afraid to express their opinions in a kind and constructive way. Clearly, harsh, negative, hurtful and judgmental words are unacceptable, and for the most part absent. There are kind ways to express opinions, some direct and some less direct. Some people can handle more direct feedback than others.
People post pictures for different reasons. Some truly want to get accurate feedback, some derive benefit from positive support, some like to help others, etc. Using your people skills comes in handy here as I suspect you can tell who might need what in the way of responses. I hope people recognize that different individuals have certain taste sensibilities and preferences that influence their comments. Over time I believe we come to understand these idiosyncratic leanings of our forum friends and can make use of them to our advantage. It’s much in the way you might learn to interpret information provided to you by the staff in your practice. What they say is colored by their personality and their biases. For me, these things make the forum a fascinating place. For others, perhaps it’s treacherous!
