New Normal - Love and Affection

What are we to do?

When hugging and kissing our loved ones are not a good idea due Covid-19, especially Omicron. All experts would even say ‘wash hands, wear mask and stay apart’ (at least 1.5 metre apart) to reduce the risk.

Our children under 15 year old are especially at risk. They are not vaccinated. The do not like to wear a mask. They do like to play close together. They love hugs and kisses (apart from sweets and junk food).

How do we show our love and affection behind our masks? Kissing behind masks - does not seem loving. Smiling when we talk to them does not show. (perhaps, we could wear ‘transparent’ masks ( - plastic masks would be near 100% protective but they would also choke us to death). 

Without touching, hugging and seeing smiling faces, we will have to learn to express our love and affection some other ways. Some gestures like ‘thump up’ and ‘elbow out’ would work with adults; (one-way) ‘hi five’ would work with teenagers; ‘waving’ could work with younger children. Talking with sweet, mellow and affectionate voice would across the age range but we will need to learn ‘sweet talk’ that is easy to understand, neutral religiously and culturally, and we have to be close enough – shouting sweet talk seems a contradiction.

Giving children toys (tablets, games, all sit-alone-to-play) to show our love and affection could distance them to their own world and their own learning to bond with ‘objects’ rather family. Giving ‘sweets’ and tidbits (biscuits, cakes, etc) would harm them and cause their health problems later (in life). Giving fruits is a much better alternative. 

Yes it is a new normal that we have not thought enough about. We know we need to come up with something. Can we share our experiences and ideas?