Hey Amy!

One of my readers, Ms. G, wrote this week asking me to speak to behavior when one is ill.  Her example spoke to me as I recently had a similar experience.  I made a mental note to write about it in the coming weeks.  Then yesterday I had yet another situation that spoke to this ongoing problem.  At the height of my frustration, I determined it was my next post.  I searched high and low for words of wisdom from Emily Post but found nothing for this topic so today I speak from my heart.  Today we are all reminded that when one is ill, one does not leave ones home.

Situation #1.  Communal meals are fabulous fun for everyone.  It’s an informal way to share your day, the meal and your life with loved ones.  Please, if you are ill, don’t suggest, book or arrive to this occasion.  Pause for one moment and think about what you do at a communal meal.  You cook, eat, share, dip, double dip, pass plates, and touch everything.  All while your nose is running and you are blowing it.  Do you run to the ladies room to wash your hands after each time you sneeze?  What about coughing?  When you cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing, do you then reach for the cooking utensils that you are sharing with the other guests?

Situation #2 (that sent me over the edge).  The pilates, yoga, dance studio is a place filled with sweat and germs.  Why would you want to work out and have your ill sweat get all over the machines, the mats, the bar so you can infect the entire class?  That towel or wet wipe is not going to sanitize the area.  Again I ask you to please stay home when you are ill.

Here’s my thought on illness.  I am someone with massive allergies.  Sneezing, clearing my nose, eyes watering, among other symptoms, are things I deal with on a regular basis.  If I am not able to control these symptoms, I do not leave the house.  Plain and simple.  It’s rude and inconsiderate to others to have to experience these symptoms and/or fear they are something greater than a simple allergy.  If I am willing to do this for my allergies, all of you should be willing to do this when you are fighting a cold or the flu.  Your decisions create a dangerous environment to those around you and your lack of respect for others well being is simply distasteful.

xo–me

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