A New Career

At distinctly different seasons of our lives, the three ladies were social gurus.

While our paths never crossed, many of us listened, read and abided to their every edict.

They were America’s social mentors, and their names were, Emily Post, Amy Vanderbilt and the Doyenne of Decorum, Letitia Baldridge. When the ladies spoke (or wrote) most of America listened and attempted to follow their well phrased instructions.

Emily led me through the difficulties of adolescence before emerging into the perils of early adulthood.

Amy arrived just a bit later, and guided me through the earliest complications of moving into the unknown world beyond the comfort of Hells Kitchen.

Soon thereafter, Letitia or Tish, as she was affectionately called, demonstrated through example all the nuances of social etiquette. Along with many other young women, I watched with admiration while she stood tall and erect slightly behind America’s beautiful young First Lady.

Now today, who will emerge to succeed the trio when a strong hand is desperately needed?

What will be the social restrictions or allowances when wearing a plastic glove or gloves?

Will it be appropriate to remove one or both prior to or after a meal?

Will it be permissible to question why another guest is not wearing one?

Will cloth gloves still be suitable?

The challenges appear to be almost insurmountable, and soon it becomes increasingly obvious how desperately we will need guidance.

Especially when I ponder about the appropriateness of a face mask.

Will a face covering be de rigour at formal celebrations, i.e, weddings, testamonials, birthday parties? If you have not donned one, will you be unwelcome?

Will face masks become a form of identification within the next decade? Will fabric color and/or design denote age, sexual ID, and or possibly, political affiliation?

Will it be appropriate to wear a face mask with a hat? Or without plastic gloves? Should they be worn together, and must they be alike in color and/or design?

Oh, so many questions, and even more that I haven’t had time to dwell upon as yet.

However I do believe there is an immediate need for a social guru post Covid 19. ASAP actually.

Perhaps soon up to date etiquette courses may become available online or in college curriculums.

But meanwhile I must question if there will be an age limit for an applicant?