The bizarre ways that coronavirus is changing etiquette

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a plethora of changes to our daily lives, including some rather unusual adjustments to etiquette. Here are some of the bizarre ways that coronavirus is changing etiquette:

  1. The rise of the "elbow bump": In an effort to avoid close contact, people are now greeting each other with an elbow bump instead of a handshake or hug.
  2. Virtual hugs and kisses: With social distancing measures in place, people are finding creative ways to show affection, such as sending virtual hugs and kisses via text or social media.
  3. The "masked" smile: With face masks becoming a ubiquitous part of daily life, people are learning to smile with their eyes and eyebrows to convey friendliness and approachability.
  4. The art of "social distancing" small talk: Conversations are now often limited to brief, surface-level discussions to avoid prolonged close contact.
  5. The "no-touch" rule: In some cases, people are avoiding physical contact altogether, including not touching door handles, elevator buttons, or other surfaces that may be contaminated.
  6. The "mask-off" rule: In some cultures, it's considered impolite to wear a mask in public, as it may be seen as a sign of illness or weakness. However, with the pandemic, this rule is being reevaluated.
  7. The "no-handshake" rule: Handshakes, which were once a staple of business and social interactions, are now being replaced with alternative greetings, such as fist bumps or elbow bumps.
  8. The "no-hug" rule: Hugs, which were once a common way to show affection, are now being avoided in many cases, especially in public settings.
  9. The "no-kiss" rule: In some cultures, kissing is a common greeting or way to show affection. However, with the pandemic, this practice is being reevaluated, and some people are opting for alternative greetings instead.
  10. The "no-touch" rule for food: In some cases, people are avoiding touching their food or utensils to avoid contamination, and instead opting for pre-packaged or single-serve options.
  11. The "no-share" rule: Sharing food, drinks, or personal items is now being discouraged to prevent the spread of the virus.
  12. The "no-crowd" rule: Large gatherings and crowded spaces are now being avoided, and people are opting for smaller, more intimate gatherings instead.
  13. The "no-touch" rule for public transportation: In some cases, people are avoiding touching public transportation, such as buses or trains, and instead opting for alternative modes of transportation, such as walking or biking.
  14. The "no-share" rule for personal items: Sharing personal items, such as towels or clothing, is now being discouraged to prevent the spread of the virus.
  15. The "no-hold" rule: In some cases, people are avoiding holding hands or arms, especially in public settings, to prevent close contact.

These changes to etiquette may seem unusual, but they are a necessary adaptation to the new reality of living with COVID-19. By adopting these new norms, we can help prevent the spread of the virus and protect ourselves and others.