Corantined behaviour

Abha Chaudhary

Etiquette is measured by one’s behaviour especially during times of crisis. When a crisis like the new coronavirus temporarily forces an overworked mankind into isolation and a screeching halt, it is time to go into a social and introspective quarantine. There’s been a sea change for all and sundry. How can one find peace amidst a cacophony of anxiety and pain. Almost every shade of life’s spectrum seems to have twisted and changed.

When hugging is criminal

There’s a new concept of ‘social distancing’ being propagated to us – a community, which has thrived and prided itself on its love for people. But myths are falling by the wayside because a handshake and a hug are no more gestures of warmth and friendship, they are equivalent to social crimes now. France has discouraged cheek kissing and Germany has suspended shaking hands. Touching is a no-no.

Namaste it is!

In the age of social distancing, we need to learn new ways to say hello. Fortunately, there are other unique ways to greet someone that don’t require physical contact. Many cultures already greet without touching, as with a bow or nod of the head, but now’s a good time to widely adopt these ideas. The namaste is the new handshake.

The despair of 9/11 had taught the “man hug” to the world, and the coronavirus has introduced us to ‘air hugs’. Be creative with your greetings. Flash a peace sign. Place your hand over your heart like the WHO Director- General Tedros Adhanom. Devise a secret greeting dance with your friends.

The positive side

As the world experiences geographical lockdowns, and as the economies of the world take the abyssal pandemic plunge, there’s a hint of the proverbial ‘silver lining in the dark clouds’. I see it as a prophetic need to change some of our lifestyle habits. Washing hands enough was perhaps getting forgotten as a ritual. A mother constantly reminding her children to do so was often scorned at, but not anymore. Have you noticed that “See I told you” look in her eyes these days?

Innovation is the key

It is heartening to see the innovative spirit of the zealous workforce. Home quarantined workaholics are spurred into innovating new ways of working in the scenario of no more in office productivity. Society is anxiously making a more permanent paradigm shift to working successfully albeit remotely. You can always maintain that energetic tonality with colleagues even over a virtual meeting. Zoom meetings are sweeping the corporate world. Brighten up the isolated routine of nothingness and the solitude of working alone with dressing up for a relaxed yet rejuvenated professionalism. Set up a work station instead of slumping in your bed with the laptop. Finally, dealing with this global pandemic is also a true test of our self abiding responsibility as citizens. Follow government advisories. Remember etiquette also spells social responsibility.

(Chaudhary is a Chandigarh-based image and style consultant)

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