We’re All In This Together; How Do We Practice Polite Mindfulness During The Pandemic?

During the pandemic, we’ve all been in lockdown mode; managing and handling our families, school work and jobs as never before. As society and states are evolving in pandemic guidelines, etiquette and manners play an even more critical role in our society than ever before.

Let’s break this down a little. Etiquette and manners are often used interchangeably but there are subtle nuances to keep in mind. Etiquette is a set of guidelines and a code of behavior in society; manners are the ways of behaving toward others within these standards. So how do we practice polite mindfulness during the pandemic?

As businesses, restaurants, salons, stores, health clubs, schools, medical offices and other facilities open up it is likely they’ll have a certain set of guidelines and expectations for their employees, customers and patients to adhere to, to keep everyone safe and healthy. It is fair to say most people have not been through a pandemic, and trying to navigate through the unknown can be scary and challenging. Hence it’s important to be respectful and mindful of these guidelines as well as to other people, so that we can safely get through this surreal time in our lives.

Before you venture out it’s a good idea to find out what these specific guidelines are, and plan ahead for extra time needed for things like temperature checks or long social distancing wait lines. More than likely your doctor or medical facility will address these expectations through your personal portal, or via email or text, and ask that you reply back with a confirmation promising to adhere. Your salon and health club will probably do this as well. Now that your favorite restaurants and stores are moving past curbside, take-out or delivery they will also be informing customers about their new guidelines, cleaning measures, new schedules, and safety precautions. Check out their social media or take a look at their website to ascertain their expectations and be mindful of following these guidelines when you’re on their premises.

While you may or may not agree with wearing a mask or practicing social distancing in public, these have been proven to be effective safety measures. To protect yourself and others means practicing new manners and and following and respecting new etiquette guidelines; we’re all in this together and we all want to stay healthy. Let’s all do our best to practice polite pandemic mindfulness.