DRIVING THOUGHTS Pinky Concha-Colmenares I’m moving from the Motoring section to the Opinion page, but after decades of editing and writing motoring stories, I can’t shake off the motoring mind. I’m bringing that with me through the column title —  Driving Thoughts. And the first driving thought that is often on my mind, especially when I’m driving alone after the curfew (to keep my mind from the dark and almost empty streets) is — good manners in new normal times.  Being an old woman, good manners still counts in my book.  When exhibited through a gesture or a word, good manners leave behind a lasting impression. The last book on good manners that’s on my shelf is one written by Emily Post.  I’m sure the young people do not even know that name.But during my time, “Emily Post” was like an adjective to comment on one’s demeanor. An Emily Post of this era is needed to suggest a guide on proper etiquette that takes into consideration the sensibilities — and safety — of the other person. There are many areas that need a guide on proper behavior but most of those will be dealing with health and safety issues of the people around you.  Here’s a few suggestions on new normal etiquette during the time of pandemic:

1. Wear a face mask when you are sharing a room with people, even if you are facing a corner where you think it is safe to put down your mask. You share the same air space whether or not you are facing other people or facing your workstation.
2. Observe the proper use of a mask — it should cover your nose and be tight under your chin. A mask that covers only the mouth does not show courtesy and concern for the other people around you.
3. Do not share food or partake of food offered to you in the office. While this was considered bad manners before, at a time of a pandemic, not sharing your food or partaking of food openly offered in the office or any venue is considered polite and prudent.
4. If you have to participate in a meal with other people, suggest that you each sit at least one meter apart. Make it your concern to suggest to the host before the meeting to serve portions to each person instead of offering food as a buffet.
5. Do not offer your hand for a handshake especially when you are introduced to someone or when you want to congratulate someone. The gesture will invite the other person to shake your hand - an act that is not considered safe at this time.
6. Sending messages through Viber, Messenger or mobile phone is now the normal way to communicate. Respect a person’s privacy by sending a message to inquire if it is a good time to make a call. This is expected especially from a person who is not an acquaintance or a friend.
7. Receiving gifts is always appreciated but it is considered polite for the sender to inform the recipient that a gift is being sent through a courier and state the estimated time of arrival to an address. Avoid sending perishable food as it becomes a problem to the recipient in case he or she will not be at the delivery address to receive the package.
8. Consider mobile phones as very personal items. Avoid touching the phone of others either to make a call or to read a message. If a person shows you something from his or her phone, politely read it while it is being held by the phone owner.
9. If a colleague or friend joins you in your vehicle, mention that you will keep the windows half open and that each person in the car should wear a mask.
10. Avoid offering your personal items — like a rain jacket or umbrella - to someone when there is a sudden downpour. The gesture will put the other person in an embarrassing position. Not accepting the offer will be considered rude, while accepting it puts the recipient at risk.

Life under the new normal is a whole new situation.  Often, I have to stop and rethink what I wish to do — like offer a sandwich — because my gesture of concern now implies a sense of being thoughtless. Send me some suggestions to add to the new normal book on etiquette at pinkycolmenares@yahoocom.