In times of pandemic and global virus we must all readjust to a new reality, we are also required to put on hold some of the usual and common social etiquette we are accustomed to.
The etiquette of greetings that can include, hand shaking, hugging, kissing when getting together or meeting people. Also, the etiquette of holding the door open for the person behind us, or pulling out the chair for a lady, or drinking and eating in proximity to one another or even toasting on some good news. The rules of etiquette are not set in stone, they can evolve with time and must adjust to any life threatening situation.
Saving lives and protecting people must always comes first. Thus, any social etiquette rule that puts your life or the lives of others in danger, should be put on hold, and must not be followed.
However, when it comes to good manners, there is no need to put them on hold, on the contrary, in challenging times there is a greater need for good manners. In difficult times everyone needs kindness and compassion. The goal is to always stay safe but without doing anything to embarrass or hurt anyone.
Keeping and staying safe, is not a ‘carte blanche’ to being rude or insensitive.
People that are ill or recovering from disease, need compassion and love more than ever . Don’t ever make someone that is sick feel bad, especially about being sick.
Don’t ever forget that the virus does not discriminate, anyone can get sick, and no one is immune. The virus can reach anyone, in any circle or position, with no distinction based on wealth, color, gender, religion, nationality, status, or age, everyone can be affected.
Thus, remember, to be kind and understanding, let go of blame and finger pointing. In pandemic times we should all focus on stating safe and healthy.
Do not do to anyone what you would not want done to you. It is a simple formula to follow, you cannot go wrong with such a strong moral compass.
Lets decide to behave with grace.
Lets decide to behave like humane beings are meant to behave.
Lets come out of this pandemic better and stronger people
These times call for small individual sacrifices, for the greater good, lets do what is needed of us without complain. We are all one, one global community and one global consciousness.
In order to make it through in peace and security we need to follow government guidelines. Keeping in mind that these new measures are temporary, until public safety is no longer an issue.
That is ‘proper etiquette behavior’ in extreme and challenging times, choosing to do good, helping one another and contributing to the solution and not compounding the problem.
Top 10 Pandemic Good Manners and Etiquette
- Practice Social distancing
- Hygiene – Hand washing
- Looking out for one another (family, friends, neighbors, elderly)
- Staying home, avoiding crowds and gatherings
- When shopping for essentials buy what you need, no hording, (think of others just like you, that also need these essentials)
- Coughing and/or sneezing, only onto inner elbow or one time use of tissue (and then toss in garbage, yes! some people still need reminding)
- Wear mask when out in public and gloves when needed and always toss them in garbage (not onto floors outside malls, stores or parking lots, yes! we need to remind people to also think of planet earth)
- Rude people, or seeing people that do not follow government guidelines, avoid arguments or confrontation, lead by example, and when you need to say something, say what you want in a calm and kind tone, never use the same negative words that these people use, and mostly do not loose your temper
- Focus on health, healing and staying positive, good health starts with a good mental attitude
- Practice kindness and compassion with everyone, but most importantly with those who need it most