First and foremost, my background is in words. 

I am bothered when they are used wrong. 

Very bothered. 

In normal circumstances, this is sometimes just being picky; however, when we have been plunged into a pandemic, I think our word choice matters more than ever. 

That is why I won’t get behind the hashtag #StayHome. 

Do you mean keep at least six feet of distance between yourself and other humans? Then say that.

Do you mean now is not the time for a family reunion or big wedding or kegger? Then say it.

Are you suggesting people minimize the number of folks with whom they have contact?

Are you trying to convey the complicated idea that while you are not forbidden to leave your home, you should think carefully about the kinds of interactions you are having in the public sphere? 

Then stop using language that can easily be misconstrued to mean “literally stay indoors and never step foot outside.” 

I worry for the mental and physical health of those who take these dictates literally. 

It’s not just that one phrase.

Think about what we say when we call for social distancing or social isolation.

How dangerous!

What we need is physical distance from others. Not social.

We should be amping up our social skills right now, learning how to better communicate with one another whether that is through the Internet, telephone, postal service, or waving from across the park.  

Remember when people went panic shopping for toilet paper? To me, that’s a sign of disconnection. It shows a missing trust that others will help if needed. It shows that they have already been socially distant. 

Perhaps we need to stop relying on hashtags and soundbites. #KeepARespectfulDistance #QuarantineIfYouAreSick #StopTouchingAllTheProduceInTheStore #WashYourHandsWithSoapAndWater and #PostponeYour200GuestWedding might not be as succinct, but they are more useful.