10 Traditions COVID-19 showed up

Almost everyone can admit that the long awaited 2020 did not turn out the way they hoped. That dreaded Coronavirus seemingly came out of nowhere and uprooted the lives of millions of people almost instantly. Despite the adversities caused by the virus, ironically there’s still a bright side to things. COVID-19 may have demolished many systems and frameworks that have existed for very long. But in some uncanny way it has also set the foundation for many archaic beliefs and expectations to be extinguished. Below are 10 traditions COVID-19 unquestionably showed up.

#10. Formality of handshakes

From seemingly the advent of time, handshakes have predominantly been used for meeting and greeting purposes. The moment you meet someone it’s always been known to be common courtesy that you just extend your hand and let the other person quickly and firmly grab a hold and shake it. “FIRMLY I said, FIRMLY! Unless you want to be seen as weak.”

Never mind the possibility that you might be Howie Mandel or just some random germaphobe. If you don’t shake hands the proper way then you come across as weak. You need to leave a good first impression is what they always say. Well, with COVID-19 now likely a perpetual concern for the entire world, more people just may go about rethinking using a handshake to judge others.

Instead of shaking hands to judge someone at a moment’s notice, maybe now people will take more meaningful measures to get to know each person they meet. It’s either going to be this or they extend a broomstick upon meeting you; and at this point you may then have to make a decision. Should you grab the stick? Pull it? Shake it? Or just take it and whack the person with it? Only one of these choices may truly show up the nature of what handshakes often are.

#9. Value of jobs

There has probably never been a better time in history to be a blue or pink collar worker. Prior to the attack of COVID-19 many people probably believed that unless you held a white collar job you were a nobody. When COVID-19 is in play, suddenly it appears that all cooks, drivers, janitors, nurses, electricians, plumbers, (ahem … writers?) and so on become the only heroes in the world. Why? Because they have to be on the front-lines as a matter of life and death.

But why were they in the back to begin with? It’s because the beliefs of a wider society and their biases against particular jobs have long placed them there. The general order of things is that if you’re not making a lot of money or if you’re doing something deemed menial then you are not worthy of much respect. If this is to remain the case then people need to cease all clapping of hands during pandemics. Instead they should just shut their doors and be complacent that “the nobodies” are out saving their lives while they’re inside combing through Social Media. If COVID-19 did not convince anyone that any honest job is worthy of deep respect then nothing else will.

#8. Possibility of working from home

Working from home has always been seen to be a great luxury; it was one that once upon a time appeared as though only the select few could earn.

Many companies refused to consider telecommuting requests before COVID-19. Some felt that it would not foster sufficient productivity. Others did not see the viability of it. And some were just too old-fashioned to try something new.

With COVID in the air, backs are put against walls. And when millions of revenue loss are at stake, suddenly the impossible becomes possible. “Omg! I won’t be able to afford my $90 pack of Mayonnaise!” Now, ALL once preposterous requests are at least considered. The idea of working from home to many now seems to be a revelation and, when choice is removed, almost every company wants to be on board.

#7. Stigma of online dating

To this date, online dating still gets a lot of flak. Using an online dating platform to score a date is seen as pathetic by many people. To them it “proves” that you don’t have what it takes to go on a real date. But what’s even more pathetic is wanting to talk to someone, being interested in talking to someone and yet allowing pride to prevent you from possibly forming a meaningful relationship with anyone.

COVID-19 may have helped many others give online dating a serious shot. Because the inability to visit the typical places that you’re “supposed to” when dating forces a change of heart. If someone wanting to date did not have prospects before COVID and were forced to stay inside, they either got to wallow in misery or loneliness. Or they just had to suck up their pride.

It’s about time more people realize that if solid friendships and partnerships can be formed online, the same can be achieved with relationships.

#6. Busyness as the sign of success

It is often believed that if you are not constantly busy you won’t be successful in life. As such, it has long been promoted that we as humans constantly need to be on the grind to be productive members of society.

COVID-19 flipped the aforementioned beliefs on their heels. Forced to stay indoors and play defensive without a vaccine in sight, many found themselves at home (with so much time on their hands) doing everything but being productive.

The reality, however, is that had COVID not attacked us, some people would not have gotten a break from life. Now more people may forever consider that there are much more important things to do than constantly being busy. Because busyness by itself does not necessarily equate to productivity. Some time for video games and movies may not be so bad. Planting a garden may be better. And doing nothing at all so you can just restore yourself or talk to God may actually be best.

#5. Illusive beauty of hair

So much value is constantly placed on beauty, especially that which manifests through hair. Women do their hair, men groom their beards. And many adore and respect them for it. But what about those who weren’t blessed with the genetics of long, natural hair that effortlessly flows with the wind or with hair that makes them appear sexier?

To many, hair significantly determines someone’s overall worth. Nevertheless, COVID caused barbershops and hair salons to close doors. With the exception of those skilled enough to properly groom their hair or had access to someone who could, everyone else had no other choice but to deprioritize the look of their hair.

It’s natural to expect that beauty is in the eye of the beholder; hair can indeed improve physical attractiveness. But when your hands are tied and you have to look your worst due to the restrictions of COVID-19, what truly lies in the hearts of those who look upon you can also easier be revealed.

#4. Who should do what

Even with the consistent progression the world has made for countless decades in many areas, gender roles still often remain the same. Many believe that the man is supposed to do X and the woman should do Z. But what is either to do when a mysterious virus shows up with a perceived mandate to do as much damage as necessary?

COVID-19 forced parents, children, spouses, and whomever else to STAY HOME, almost without warning. Most people did not get sufficient time to plan or structure anything in advance to treat with the virus. Going with the flow seemed to be the best solution.

COVID does not care who does the dishes or who mows the lawn. Likewise, this virus should help more people learn how to stop keeping scores against each other. At the end of the day, we all have to live this life together. And together we can win as one.

#3. Love through physical affection

Oh how the world will miss these if they ever go away for good: kissing, hugging and fu**ing. Many have conditioned themselves to not be able to connect with anyone unless they get to touch them enough first. Or more accurately … unless they touch the right buttons first.

Thanks to COVID-19 and its ability to be more contagious than HIV, people may now need to rethink a few things. Examples include one night stands and how quickly they may dispose of someone based on their kissing technique and/or performance in bed.

COVID may have actually showed up just how shallow lots of today’s relationships may be and opened the door for more meaningful ones to be formed.

#2. The importance of church

Arguably the most controversial point on this list, COVID-19 caused church gatherings to be dismantled and for many who get their Sunday fix (or whatever day) to be like fish without water. Without church, some people feel disconnected from God and like nothing else can fill that void. They just need to feel complete.

Nevertheless, what people need to keep in mind is that if you’re serving God, then he’s everywhere! Consider that if COVID had been a global earthquake of magnitude 10 instead, what would have happened? What would have happened if all the buildings in the world were destroyed? Would everyone just stop trying to serve God?

COVID serves as a stark reminder that you don’t have to go to church to serve God. Nor would not doing so necessarily mean you have abandoned the flock. Each member makes up the church, and what’s in your heart can literally be more godly than an entire congregation that focuses more on idolizing church buildings.

#1. “Tomorrow is another day“

The biggest thing COVID-19 showed up is that without a doubt there are no guarantees in life. Of course this is something many would have known way before COVID. But COVID amplified its importance many times over.

Endless plans were made during COVID’S prime. Some had plans for marriage, buying a house or even migrating to a new country. Then out of nowhere COVID arrived and so many plans had to be postponed or canceled. And it would be assured that after conjuring more severe effects like job loss, loss of financial stocks and life, some persons would be more drastically affected for years to come.

We can think, save and plan for the future all we want. Yet, ultimately what is to be will be. This does not mean that we should not go after our dreams or prepare for another day. But after losing our freedom to move as well as the freedom to touch those we love in the blink of an eye, perspective changes.

We must accept that the will to be content no matter what we have in this life may be the closest we, as earthly creatures, ever get to a guarantee. It is now extremely clear that tomorrow isn’t promised. We should REALLY live each day as though it’s our last.