Etiquette Rules to Follow in New Normal When Visiting Friends during a Pandemic

At a time when a social mistake could get someone sick, there are a few things you need to know about properly navigating get-togethers in our new normal.

Understand that not everyone is ready to socialize

Everyone’s comfort level is different right now. You may be comfortable socializing as long as others follow the recommendations of public health officials to wear masks, wash hands often, and socially distance. Just be alerted that if your friends are a little more careless about what officials recommend to minimize the transmission of the virus, that could potentially create awkwardness and even outright conflict.

Keep your social circle small

If you start to meet people, keep your group small—and not just for a particular gathering. It’s safer to see the same friends; it’s riskier to join different groups for meals every other night. The comfort level varies for everyone. It’s impossible to social distance around a big group of people, it really is.

Communicate

While communication is always important, now it’s totally vital. Ask your hosts what they’re comfortable with and how they plan to handle the get-together and be honest about aspects of your life that may increase the risk of attending gatherings. Don’t attend a get-together if you’ve recently had contact with someone who’s tested positive or if you’re experiencing any COVID-related symptoms.

Respect the host’s ground rules

As a guest, the polite (and safe) thing to do is honour your hostess’ wishes, such as wearing your mask until you sit down and you’re spaced two metres apart.

Minimize physical contact with friends

After months of not seeing your friends and family personally, it will be tempting to hug them. But refrain for everyone’s safety. People understand that now is not the time for close personal contact.

Bring a non-perishable hostess gift

Bringing a hostess gift is a polite thing to do. Consider an item that the hostess doesn’t have to open for a few days, just like when people get packages and they say to wait two or three days until the germs are gone. Give gifts that your friend can easily sanitize without ruining the item, such as fragrance diffusers, tea towels, or candles. Be sure to ask your host. If your friend says don’t bring anything, then don’t bring anything.

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