Post-Pandemic Socializing: Tips on Meeting in Person

It’s been a long time since we have had the opportunity to meet with friends and peers face to face instead of by remote. Finally, we are slowly emerging back to a cautious comfort level when it comes to cocktail parties and backyard barbeques. It’s still important to pay close attention when it comes to re-entering a social environment with thoughtfulness and grace. I’m sharing a few things to keep in mind regarding post-pandemic socializing in today’s post.

Getting Reacquainted with Friends and Family

Although Zoom meetings and Facetime calls were decent substitutes for spending quality time together, nothing beats sharing the same space with your loved ones. Everyone will have different comfort levels. A quick call to check how people are feeling before your jump in “head first” with post-pandemic socializing would be a good idea.

Pick a Spot

Depending on where you live, you may not have the option to meet with your friends in a restaurant, event hall, or community center. Outdoor gatherings might be your only option. The good news is, we’re moving into the summer months and the weather is beautiful. Select a day that works best for everybody, pack a cooler, and enjoy a picnic. If your family lives farther apart, try to select a public park that is somewhere in the middle. Eliminating some of the hassles of getting to the event will help make it more enjoyable for everybody involved. Or maybe your family lives in the same city and a backyard barbeque is a better idea. Whatever you choose, as long as there is good company, it is sure to be a great time.

Conversation Starters

It has been a while since you have had the opportunity to polish your communication skills and it’s completely normal to anticipate some nerves when it comes to things to talk about. Especially when there is conflict over vaccines, safety measures, social distancing and the all too familiar politics. Do your best to keep the conversation light and the temperament jolly.

Focus on updates to your personal life, what TV shows and Netflix series you have been watching, recent books you’ve read and plans for a vacation. Share recipes you’ve learned how to cook, games you’ve played to pass the time and other things you did during the pandemic to stay sane and entertained. If the conversations keep gravitating back to topics you aren’t comfortable talking about, it is okay if you don’t participate. Try to start a new discussion about a non-confrontational topic and see who takes you up on the offer.

Continue to Be Health Conscious

Gathering outside is a good first step to keeping everybody safe, but there is still more you can do as there are still some risks in post-pandemic socializing. Set yourselves up with distance between seats, pack enough disposable cutlery, cups, and serving utensils for everyone to use, and keep hand sanitizer available, as well. Try to use individual beverages, like water bottles or coke cans, rather than larger bottles which everybody will have to touch to pour themselves a drink. It might be tempting to hug again, but be mindful of each other’s comfort levels and individual preferences. If someone, or yourself, prefers just to smile and wave, don’t take it personally. We’re all learning how to move back into the world again.

For more information check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like How to Make the Transition Back to the Office After Working Remote. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.