The New A,B,

There may be other clinical reasons for the change in my degree of courtesy, but I must attribute mine to the A,B,C’s.

A, of course, refers to my age. An excuse for almost everything unfortunately.

B, boredom, after lockdown for nigh on to a year.

C, obviously the era of Covid-19.

All are merely excuses for my deviation from the rules I learned first from the esteemed words of Emily Post,

Followed by the more flexible guideline of Amy Vanderbilt and eventually all tied into place by the well worn Katie Gibbs manual.

Add them all together, and while I don’t believe I am now rude (at least I sincerely hope not), I am far more honest.

I will never confront another and ask why they have gained weight or obviously had some facial enhancement, but

I will not listen quietly to anyone’s political agendas. If age gives me any flexibility, it allows me to assert my own independence from another’s opinion.

I will be blunt in criticizing those who do not observe CDC regulations and/or suggestions. This is a life or death agenda, and time no one had exemptions.

I will attempt to smile or not be obviously negative if told what I should do. However, while I am coping with the restrictions of a seemingly unending lockdown, I will choose my own mechanisms for emotional survival.

I will not apologize for watching foreign noir films that allow me to escape into the Wallander world rather reveling in a self help documentary.

I will pursue my own long established means of meditation and/or communication with my Maker refusing to follow gurus on TV or internet.

And, truly I will attempt to never be rude, but at this point in my world and yours, I believe honesty must prevail.

I weary of advice from opinion writers in the NYT, and unsolicited emails offering antidotes for lifestyles.

I am a mature adult. Americans have had close to twelve months of coping with an unknown experience, and candor is a crutch that will help us emerge with some semblance of equilibrium.

Of course, I may also find myself friendless., I hope not, but polite silence as well as archaic rules of etiquette seems to have vanished with many other things during 2020 ,