Memos from the before time: How to get dressed, have small talk and enjoy happy hour

Getting dressed

By all means: Put on your pants. Even if you’re not ready for non-stretch fabric.Avoid: The T-shirt you have worn daily since March 2020 (unless freshly laundered).

Greeting strangers

Do: Move your hand from side to side in a waving motion.Don’t: Lunge forward for a hug, stare slack-jawed or frown in obvious discomfort.

Small talk

Please: Maintain eye contact. Raise the corners of your mouth in a “smile.”Thank you for not: Breathing heavily. Segueing from the weather to your new-found nihilism.

Meetings

Thumbs-up: Remember you are no longer required to unmute yourself before speaking.Thumbs down: Not paying attention. Everyone can see your “off-camera” texting.

Coffee runs

Kindly: Ask your office mates if they want anything. Tip the barista generously.Kindly stop: Holding up the line as you gawk at the menu and try to recall which one is “venti.”

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Happy hour

Remember: Befriend the bartender. Take in the classic dive-bar smell. Laugh. It’s okay to laugh.But: Keep your shoes on and feet off the table. Because—at long last!—you’re not at home.

(Illustrations by Marie-Danielle Smith)