The Atlantic

The Only Two Seasons That Matter Now

We have hibernation time and thriving time. That can be a good thing.
Source: Getty; The Atlantic

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No season has the glorified reputation of summer. Although many people love the optimism of spring or the romance of autumn, American culture has a special fondness for warm weather, long days, time away from school or work, and a mindset that prioritizes fun over productivity.

But that vibe, in recent years, has been under threat. COVID-19 still , disrupting vacations, child care, and anxiety-free nights out. fantasies into the reality of fresh variants, a surge of infections, international barriers to entry, and arguments with family about getting vaccinated before sharing an Airbnb. Not surprisingly, some people approached summer 2022 with a learned trepidation, understanding that even the most careful plans can come undone with a positive test result.

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