Connecting on a New Level
How the global pandemic has changed human interaction and what we can do to rise above.
By: Danielle Kovachevich, Founder and Lead Coach | Detroit Academy of Etiquette
While snuggled up with my family on the couch the other night watching the updates on the COVID 19 pandemic, I heard a politician say, “We may never shake hands again.” Though extreme, there may be some truth to that. It will take people a long time to feel comfortable being in the same room together, let alone shaking hands.
Typically, when our loved ones struggle with their health, jobs, and other family dynamics, we want to shower them with love and affection. Sadly, because of this unique situation, we are being deprived of the thing we need the most, human interaction. Not just handshakes, but a hug from a friend or a relative, or a home filled with laughter and smiles. For now, we have to get by on Zoom parties and virtual hugs. It’s just not the same.
Hopefully one day soon the quarantine will end, and we will start to gather again. However, I know that personally, I will have a hard time watching my four kids and parents return to the world as we knew it, but we have to. We have to resume for the sake of our economy and most importantly, for the need of human connection.
For now, the question remains- how do we express ourselves in a manner that still shows appreciation or kindness without getting too close? I believe this is where the foundation of etiquette comes into play and is more important than ever. The foundation of etiquette being:
Act with Kindness Always.
We can do this…without touching anyone.
Over the years, I have had conversations with various clients who were not allowed to shake hands for religious and cultural reasons. Those clients have relied on alternative techniques that have worked just as well, when executed kindly and confidently. My Japanese clients were way ahead of the curve with their ritualistic bow paired with greetings, which expresses respect, kindness, and warmth, but maintains ample distance from your counterpart. My point being, we can do this. We can conduct business, we can show kindness and make others feel important without close interaction. Let’s not give up on connecting with humans…let’s just get creative.
Instead of greeting someone with a handshake, we can still use our body language to communicate, which we do already. Now more than ever we can rely on this technique to express ourselves. Saying hello with a slight nod, good eye contact, and a genuine smile is a great way to greet others during the pandemic. Remember, a genuine smile includes the eyes as well as the mouth. So, go ahead and smile with your mask on, people will still pick up on your kindness and good energy. Also, pay attention to your posture and the position of your arms. Stand up tall and avoid crossing your arms. Try to convey an openness that allows others to feel they can connect with you. Ultimately, you want to pay attention to how your actions impact others. Do they seem relaxed and happy or anxious and frustrated while speaking to you? This awareness will allow you to have more purposeful and fulfilling connections with others… and not just during a pandemic.
So, when you are out grocery shopping or walking your dog by your neighbor’s house, make it a goal to connect with other humans. We need this right now. We can still ask people “How was your day?” from six feet apart. We can still pay the grocery store attendant a genuine compliment or let them know how much we appreciate them.
Lastly, remember the human race is being tested right now. We may run into unkind, stressed-out and angry individuals along our journey. If we ever find ourselves in these tricky situations, just proceed kindly. Take the high road. There are too many people suffering right now. Make it your goal to lift someone up and make them smile. In the end, you will feel better too.
For more insights on all things etiquette, please subscribe to: https://detroitacademyofetiquette.com.
