Maria LoretoIn partnership with The Fresh Toast
Now that we’re navigating many new social situations, here are some questions you should ask yourself when going out.
The majority of people who complied with social distancing guidelines for the past year have already been vaccinated. These people — immunocompromised, above a certain age group, or mindful of the government guidelines — may be having a hard time now that their friends want to hang out and the world is going back to normal. What are the rules now?
It’s clear that fully vaccinated people can basically do whatever they want as long as it’s with other vaccinated people. Still, for some, the prospect of dining indoors or going to an indoor space without wearing a mask, may feel uncomfortable. That’s okay.
As we navigate this new stage, it’s important to be communicative and to explain to others what you’re going through. This will save you some awkwardness and give you some peace of mind. Here are some questions you should ask yourself next time you plan on hanging out with others:
Should you hang out inside or outside?
While indoor dining and seating is reopening, some people are not ready to do that just yet. Luckily, it’s the summer, so it’s the best time for outdoor seating. After a year of these conditions, restaurants have adapted and have managed to design a good experience for everyone involved, one that feels safer and more intuitive than it did a year ago. Before you meet up with someone, talk about your options and be clear regarding your stance.
Are hugs safe or not?
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While vaccinated people are safe, some may not feel ready for hugs and may be second guessing themselves when approaching others. Make sure to ask before you hug someone or to understand if someone doesn’t want to hug you right away. We’re only starting to see the trauma of living under COVID-19 conditions, so it’s important to be patient and understanding.
What about dating?
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Dating is probably the toughest social activity to be doing right now, and there are no easy answers. Still, asking someone if they’ve been vaccinated is a valid question, one that’s become increasingly more common and less awkward. If it’s something that’s bothering you, you should ask it. The risk of transmitting COVID-19 through kissing when both people have been vaccinated is minimal, but you still shouldn’t do it if you’re not feeling up to it.
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