Karen La Corte is an etiquette and manners expert trained and certified by the Emily Post Institute in Vermont . Karen is happy to answer your questions — email her at karen @ marxtowing . com

apart , please ) and wearing masks would become our new lifestyle ? I don ’ t think any of us did . We ’ re also in a new economy — working from home and buying everything online , including groceries and prescriptions . Amazon Prime is but a click away . Our lifestyle has forever changed .

Though COVID-19 surprised us , pandemics are nothing new . In the 1600 ’ s , the plague in Europe wiped out thousands . Folks like us quarantined , wore masks , and tried to ward off the illness by dipping masks in vinegar , filling them with herbs to “ cleanse the contaminated air ” prior to breathing it in . William Shakespeare was quarantined in the early 1600 ’ s in London . While shut in for months , he wrote King Lear , Macbeth and Antony and Cleopatra ! What have you done during quarantine ?

Americans had to wear masks for the first time during the Spanish Flu of 1918 . At that time , antibiotics didn ’ t exist . Although today new vaccines are here to help us battle the Coronavirus , we are encouraged to embrace new rules of pandemic etiquette — along with a can of Lysol .

Sure , we can hide behind our masks . That doesn ’ t permit us to stop being kind , gracious and polite ! Our lifestyle has changed — good manners should not . As our communities find ways to interact safely , our new social rules can feel awkward and sometimes impolite . Patience and a good attitude are the most civil ways to navigate through this .

Since hugging and handshaking are out , your tone of voice and your eyes can offer a warm touch when addressing folks . Smile behind your mask and your eyes will light up . Practice in the mirror at home . Since masks muffle the sound of your voice , learn to speak louder and clearer . Use your hands to help express your voice .

Start perfecting your wave when greeting folks . Develop your “ professional wave ,” your “ zoom-meeting wave ,” your “ I love you Grandma wave ,” and your “ I haven ’ t seen you and I ’ m trying so hard not to hug you wave .” The new elbow to elbow bump also works for some .

Here ’ s a big one with me . Just because we have all been inside , wearing sweats and going sans makeup , let ’ s dress up a little when we do go out — even if it ’ s just to the grocery store or the post office . I am not talking evening gown here , but a nice pair of jeans or slacks and a little makeup is always a welcome sight ! Plus , it makes us feel good about ourselves . Remember , folks see your mask first , your eyes second , and your over-all look next .

When you ’ re able to get to the workplace , by all means — dress for success ! You can show your flare for fashion and personality by wearing a unique and colorful mask . I ’ ve seen everything from garlic and mushroom prints here in Gilroy and Morgan Hill to rhinestone studded masks

This brings me to the “ zoom meeting ”. Once again , dress up . Ladies wear your makeup and jewelry . Gentlemen comb your hair . Wear pants for heavens sake . You may need to get up at some point . “ Own ” your personal square . Be polite in your comments . Wait your turn . Don ’ t talk over someone . Use hand gestures — polite ones !

Don ’ t text or email during a “ zoom conference .” It ’ s rude . Give your speaker and organization your undivided attention . Leave your mic on so folks can hear your reactions unless otherwise indicated by the speaker . Sit up straight and be mindful of your backdrop .

Depending on the group , a more professional backdrop might be in order . You can find custom backdrops to purchase and download for your computer . I ‘ m a little tech challenged here , but I ’ ve seen great backdrops — from bookcases to a beach in Cabo !

Take notes and follow through with any action items as you would with a normal in-person meeting . In other words — be fully present . Be there to listen , react , acknowledge , provide feedback , and genuinely participate . Be there or don ’ t be in the square !

This pandemic has impacted all of us in different ways . Be compassionate . We don ’ t know how others are feeling . Many of us are fortunate to be able to keep going and connect with others but loneliness and anxiety plague many . Try to respect others views on quarantining and remember to abide by your state ’ s and city ’ s rules for gatherings . Your attitude and kind actions will help carry everyone through . This costs nothing but can make a huge difference in someone else ’ s life .

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GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN WINTER 2021 gmhtoday . com