The daily walk strengthens physical and mental health. It permits escape from pandemic’s house arrest.

Yet the coronavirus has changed how walkers interact, in ways at once necessary, affirming and discouraging.

No question, maintaining distance is necessary. We must.

Here’s what affirms. Walkers are more likely than before the pandemic to share greetings. A wave, a smile, even a verbal “hello” – and often all three. Such greetings pierce our isolation with little gems of cheer. They send telepathic touches that seem momentarily to close the physical distance.

Still, before each greeting comes the long approach where the expectation of being sociable collides with the burden of staying safe. From a distance, walkers must weigh: Who will yield? Who will step across the street? Must I, or will she?

And thus does “social distancing” become a declaration, “keep your distance!” It seems rude, a silent shout emphasizing our isolation. Necessary? Yes. Discouraging? For sure.

Thank goodness for the greetings that follow. Even if offered partly as apology and thanks, they smudge our seconds-old memory of approaching trouble. They soften separation’s sting.