The current health crisis is pushing to reinvent new social codes when reuniting with loved ones.
We all know that there is a before and an after the Covid-19 health crisis. Far from over, the current epidemic continues to progress in certain countries, at a time when France fears a second wave. If deconfinement has made it possible to recover certain freedoms, social relations cannot be the same and require new rules.
Invent a new way to greet each other
Human beings need social relationships, but also physical contact to feel reassured and safe with their peers. At a time when the risk of contamination persists, it is nevertheless preferable to avoid kisses, hugs, kisses or handshakes.
In order not to take any risks, but to help rediscover a bond, it is possible to use the respectful greeting of Asians, touch the elbow or the feet or greet with a wink or a smile with the hand. If necessary, an explanation can be given, postponing the hug for a later time.
Prioritize your social relationships
Far from over, the pandemic prompts us to protect the weakest, especially the elderly. To avoid too close social contacts with a large number of people, it is also possible to explain that you prefer to favor certain members of your family or certain friends, especially if they need you.
Rather than leaving a dead letter, do not hesitate to explain that you are waiting a bit before meeting and continue the relationship remotely by telephone or video for example.
Similarly, if you notice behavior that does not seem to respect all the rules of hygiene, do not hesitate to make the remark in a constructive tone rather than a criticism, and perhaps to wait to be in private to talk about it with the person concerned in order to avoid humiliation in public.
Read more: “Why politeness? Good manners against incivility”, by Dominique Picard, Seuil editions.
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