![In a ten panel comic in colors of dusty purple, pale ocean blue, pink, or turquoise a person slowly learns how to socialize again post-pandemic. First, they go to a work party. Then they meet another gay person. That gay person. That gay person introduces them to their friends. Those friends know someone from the person's dating app. Those people are having a baby. And soon everyone is going to a picnic.](https://develop.autostraddle.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Autostraddle-Feb-2023.png?resize=1220%2C2962)
Before you go!
Autostraddle runs on the reader support of our AF+ Members. If this article meant something to you today — if it informed you or made you smile or feel seen,
will you consider joining AF and supporting the people who make this queer media site possible?
Join AF+!
Ren Strapp is a comic artist, designer, and gender nonconforming lesbian werewolf. Her work is inspired by risograph printing and American traditional tattooing. She loves weight lifting and hiking.
Support her work on Patreon.
Ren has written 60 articles for us.
I love this Ren! Been in extreme isolation for a long time due to being immunocompromised & do worry about how this will impact my ability to be around others again in the future, so this is very reassuring. Also really appreciate your continuing to feature masks in your work. Means a lot!
Ugh I love this and love the masks. I have long Covid and it’s hard to socialize and this helps!!!
Just saying from another long Covid sufferer!
Damn it….that was supposed to say ‘just saying hello!’ :’)
I am filled to the brim with desire for my life to look like this! Love it <3
A dream
what everyone said.
seeing other people who also appreciate & see precautions as still necessary is, well, i guess a relief. love to the cartoonist and the rest of us.
Oh Ren this is so beautiful, thank you! Love to everyone in the comments too 💚
Love this! The comic and the comments here made me think of this resource put out by disability justice organizers a few days ago about how to have more comfortable outdoor socializing in cold weather
https://www.tinyurl.com/longwintersurvival
Echoing the comments that it’s great to see the masks! Can’t wait until it’s outdoor socializing season again