The Post-Pandemic Etiquette Revolution: Are We Done with Needless Greetings?
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped our lives in countless ways, from how we work too how we interact. One of the most enduring changes? Our approach to personal space and hygiene. As we step into 2025,it truly seems the era of forced social niceties—like the infamous three-kiss greeting—is fading.
“Have we lost our way after the corona pandemic, or have we discovered that giving three kisses is really not necessary? I think the latter,” writes Maaike Olde Olthof in a candid reflection on post-pandemic social norms. Her observations highlight a growing sentiment: many of us are reevaluating what’s truly essential in our interactions.
The Hygiene Awakening
The pandemic didn’t just make us wary of germs—it made us hyper-aware of them. “Drinks are the ideal prospect for bacteria to jump over,” Olde Olthof notes. this newfound awareness has led to a shift in how we approach social gatherings. Gone are the days of obligatory cheek kisses or handshakes. Rather, many are opting for a more cautious, personalized approach.
Olde Olthof shares a recent encounter that underscores this shift: “This week, during my search through the city for fresh bread, I came across the organic store. Just as I was about to order an olive baguette,the man behind the counter took a step back,blew his nose hard into a handkerchief (made of cotton) and put it back in his pocket,holding it through his hands. Rubbed and asked me: ‘Can I help you?’ ‘No,’ I saeid. ‘Uh… never mind.’”
The incident,while seemingly minor,reflects a broader trend. People are no longer willing to tolerate behaviors they find unhygienic or distasteful. “It’s not the fear of a flu or two, I just find it disgustingly distasteful, spraying snot next to a shelf of fresh bread,” she adds.
The Awkwardness of Social norms
The pandemic also exposed the awkwardness of conventional greetings. Olde Olthof recounts a cringe-worthy moment at a New Year’s drinks event: “when greeting Hans,an HR colleague who cleared his throat all day,he politely attempted to give me three kisses on the cheek. Unfortunately, I wanted to avoid the first one, and his kiss ended up half on my lips. ‘Jesus…’ I shouted out of fear and disgust, which alerted all colleagues to our bickering. Embarrassing.”
This anecdote highlights the tension between social expectations and personal comfort. As Olde Olthof puts it, “So actually, I was doing a kind of Keanu Reeves there, I think.”
The Rise of the People-Shy
As we move further into 2025,Olde Olthof predicts a cultural shift: “2025 will be the year of the people-shy fellow man,I can feel it awkward-water.” This “people-shy” movement isn’t about isolation—it’s about redefining boundaries and prioritizing personal comfort over outdated norms.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Pre-Pandemic Norm | Post-Pandemic Shift |
|————————–|——————————–|———————————-|
| Greetings | Three-kiss cheek greeting | Minimal or no physical contact |
| Hygiene Awareness | Casual approach to germs | Heightened sensitivity to hygiene|
| Social Gatherings | Obligatory participation | Selective, comfort-driven choices|
A New Era of Interaction
The pandemic forced us to confront the inefficiencies and discomforts of traditional social norms. As Olde Olthof’s experiences show, many are embracing this opportunity to redefine how we connect. Whether it’s skipping the cheek kisses or avoiding crowded gatherings, the post-pandemic world is all about balance—between connection and caution, tradition and personal preference.
For more insights into navigating modern social dynamics, check out Olde Olthof’s column on dating woes, where she explores the quirks of human interaction in the digital age.
As we continue to adapt,one thing is clear: the way we interact will never be the same—and for many,that’s a welcome change.
