The Ontario Broker - Volume 21, Issue 4 - 15

Mental
Health
Ment
REFRESHER:
HOW TO INTERACT
WITH PEOPLE AGAIN
W
e've been in isolation a long time. Now that we're
finally getting back out into the world, some of our
interactions with others have been less than smooth.
Here are a few helpful reminders to get back into the groove of
being a functioning member of society.
Good conversation is an art
There's a certain flow to a good conversation. If someone
asks you a question, answer and then ask a question back.
There should be a natural, tennis-like volley that's different
from talking to your pets or verbalizing your thoughts
aloud to nobody. Remember, if your convo ever comes to
a standstill, you can always rely on the universal shared
experience we've all just gone through-binge-watching
Tiger King and The Queen's Gambit.
When in doubt, play it cool
Of course we missed seeing the people we know, but
how long has it been since you met someone new? Our
social circles have been in full hibernation. Try to recall
what it was like in the old world, acting casual at first and
gradually revealing yourself over time. When introduced to
a new person, it's acceptable to begin by saying something
like, nice to meet you. Don't open the interaction by
blurting out oh boy! or I love you! Though I guess, I mean,
that's cool too?
There are no likes or retweets in-person
Much of our time over the past year and a half has been
spent online, but the way you interact in those spaces
is quite different. If you're talking to someone in-person
who expresses a distasteful opinion on a hot button issue,
dunking on them won't get you any likes or retweets.
It might just get you a drink thrown in your face. When
you're talking in person, there's no longer a secondary
audience to cheer for you or leap to your defense, so
remember to be respectful. Maybe this is something worth
carrying with you when you're back online too.
People can see your lower half now
We're all guilty of only dressing for Zoom calls from the waist
up, but the time for hard pants has come once again. While
you may still be able to pull off the pandemic uniform for a
late-night grocery run-rubber ducky print pajama pants and
crocs-in many other contexts this look is reverting back to the
official outfit of the visibly unhinged parent angrily picking up
their teenager from a boy-girl party where there's clearly been
drinking going on.
You're not on Zoom anymore, so we can smell you
In the confines of our homes, who didn't let their hygiene slip a
little? Without the expectations of daily human interaction, some
of us got away with being fairly disgusting. But those good times
are over, and we must return to regular maintenance to avoid
an awkward discussion with HR. Make sure you've showered
within the last few days before venturing into public spaces. Like
masking up, it's more for the people around you.
VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 4
15
The Ontario Broker - Volume 21, Issue 4

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Ontario Broker - Volume 21, Issue 4
