As a retiree, but as one who could have worked from home, I’ve experienced what millions are going through as a result of social distancing due to COVID-19. There is a whole industry that has evolved to keep people entertained, active and creative while sheltering in place. Imagine what it would have been like without the Internet, cable television and on-line shopping! We have developed a number of important new social behaviours which among others include:
- No more hand shaking. Instead one can touch elbows or simply bow like the Japanese do.
- When welcoming relatives or friends, absolutely no kissing on the cheeks two or three times depending on your culture. Instead, one can blow a kiss, but not too hard so as not to spread germs.
- No more hugs. Make a hugging motion with your upper torso at an appropriate distance of two meters or six feet when in the S.
- To show affection, one can use sign language in the form of a heart shaped two-handed manoeuvre.
- Sharing a milkshake using two straws is definitely out of the question.
- Speak in a low monotone voice and avoid shouting so as to limit spraying others, or as our Prime Minister referred to as “speaking moistly”.
- Wear the latest fashion styles in face masks, but nothing too scary in order to differentiate between you and bank robbers.
- For those of us who have hair, consider going with your new hair style à la mode de prehistoric humans. How about a man bun? Otherwise, find a right-sized bowl to work with.
- Carry a small can of sanitizer spray to immediately clean paper currency upon receipt from vendors.
- Find a new hobby, like carving historical figures out of paper cups or potatoes. In the case of food shortages keep the potatoes handy.
- Keep your pet dog well away, perhaps several more meters, from other people walking their dogs. Normal interaction among dog owners and their dogs is particularly forbidden. I never knew that there were so many dog owners in our neighbourhood! Where’d they all come from?
- When encountering a situation of “road rage” while driving, keep your car windows shut and use hand signals where appropriate.
- Continue to physically exercise in order to help maintain your mental health. By this I do not mean improving elbow and arm conditioning while drinking alcoholic beverages.
- Do not sanitize food that has arrived via home delivery from local eateries. This will not help to improve the quality of the meal and may negatively affect one’s taste buds.
- Under the current circumstances, patience has truly become a virtue. Certain shut-downs and restrictions will continue for some time. Remove all calendars from the household.
These are just a few of the tips that I have to offer during these tough times of social distancing. Just remember, there are always others who are in even more challenging situations. Those of us who can help, should do so by donating to or volunteering at food banks, shelters and health care facilities. A lot of people, including those on the front-lines, are working every day so that the rest of us can stay at home and be safe. As the English would say, keep a stiff upper lip. Keep on smiling.
FROLITICKS 
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