I'm the proprietor of a "mom & pop" style shop - which comes with its own kind of stress - but after doing this for years, many of our customers have become true friends, and it's rare that we have to deal with the sort of "jerks" one can encounter in a retail setting.
Due to "community spread" of the coronavirus in our town, we decided to stop letting people in our shop as of this past weekend. We're taking online orders and offering "curbside service" to people. I wrote about that on DU, here: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100213097268
This week, we have been flooded with business. It's clear to us that people know the pandemic will hurt small operators like us, and that they're going out of their way to keep us afloat. A large number of people have called to buy gift cards, which I'm guessing is a deliberate way to help our cash flow. Also, the owner of the building our shop is in is waiving at least the next month's rent. I'm overwhelmed with the spirit of generosity and mutual support on display.
I do see nasty arguments online (political and otherwise), and read and hear about unkind and ignorant behavior similar to what your daughter describes, but it hasn't manifested where I live as far as I can tell.
My wife and I are thinking we might need to close the shop entirely soon (at least until things settle down), in which case we'll have more time on our hands than we've had in a while. We've been talking to one another about how we can use that time to help those in need.
You yourself are a very thoughtful man - I'm sure your children are wonderful.
Anyway, hang in there! I hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.
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