The Hidden Etiquette Benefits of Wearing a Mask by Renowned Beverly Hills Manners Expert Lisa Gaché
The Hidden Etiquette Benefits of Wearing a Mask
by Renowned Beverly Hills Manners Expert Lisa Gaché
Strolling along Rodeo Drive, it wasn’t uncommon to see one of our Asian visitors decked out in a fabulously trendy outfit and donning a mask. I knew this was quite common in China and thought perhaps they wanted to protect themselves from the Los Angeles smog or simply didn’t want to catch a cold.
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine masks would become a household and wardrobe staple for virtually everyone around the world. It’s still unbelievable that this piece of protection over our mouth and nose is the key to defending ourselves and others from a deadly virus.
Covid-19 has basically ensured that masks aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, we’ve recently graduated from the one mask recommendation to two as a guarantee to further reduce exposure to any infectious droplets that may come our way.
The newest fashion accessory has launched an entire industry. Every car wash, pharmacy, and clothing store is selling them along with mask chains to make sure they’re easily accessible. While it may feel like a nuisance, there are a great deal of hidden etiquette benefits to wearing a mask in addition to protecting our health and safety. Here is a list of our favorites. With any luck, we’ll all come out of this pandemic more mindful of our well-being and our manners.
Bad breath. I once had a boss who would appear at my desk and ask me to check his breath. Could you imagine? The minute you strap one of these babies on you are treated to a waft of your own special aroma. So, if you happen to suffer from halitosis, you’re in luck. A mask (or two) will conceal even the most horrific mouth odor. How do you cure this? Purchase a clinical strength mouth wash that contains Zinc. A good swish morning and night should hold you throughout the day. Pop a mint rather than chew gum for extra protection.
Food in teeth. Ah to be young and have young teeth. Food can certainly get stuck between the teeth at any age, but we’re much more prone to this when we get older and our teeth get a little smaller and the spaces between them a little wider. Even though we’re allowed temporary mask removal for eating and drinking in public, a mask can be your best friend when you feel daring enough to eat a Tabouli salad or other meal filled with greens. No more worries about stray peppercorns or parsley pieces in your gums. How to cure this? When out and about, sip some water and see if that does the trick. If not, excuse yourself and head to the restroom for more serious removal. Remember we never groom at the table. At home, invest in a good gum stimulator and dental floss.
Biting Nails. One of the great benefits of wearing a mask is that it prevents us from a multitude of unsightly habits that can detract from an overall pleasing appearance. Biting nails is probably one of the most obvious. First of all, hands in the mouth is one of the quickest ways to contract Covid-19 and secondly nails bitten to the bone are a sign of nervousness and can look dirty and unkempt. A mask deters hands from entering the mouth whether it be nail biting or nostril exploration. No more looking at the car next to you only to find the driver elbow deep as if they are invisible. The cure for this? Schedule regular manicures, especially now that salons are officially back open. And remember the cardinal rule – never pick anything in public.
Cold sores. Your secret is safe with us. Cold sores (and dare we say it – herpes) emerge when we’re run down and overtired. They typically appear around the mouth and can be quite painful. The good news is no one will ever know because your mask is doing double-duty hiding them from site and keeping you from touching your mouth and spreading it to others. The cure for this? Get a good night’s sleep and stay rested. Go to the pharmacy and purchase a cold sore crème that may be applied topically. For herpes, call your doctor and request oral medicine. While we’re on the subject, take care of your lips and keep them moisturized. A good lip balm is all you need to prevent excessive chapping or try a lip mask to exfoliate and restore healthy smackers.
Touching the face. People love to touch their face whether it’s to pick a pimple, scratch an itch, lean on our hands in deep thought or just take a rest. This is a huge no, no and the number one way to spread germs in the time of Covid. A side effect of wearing a mask may cause facial acne, but they are an absolute deterrent from spreading harmful germs. Excessive touching of the face is a huge distraction and diminishes a powerful and positive personal presentation. The cure for this? Stop touching your face and find other ways to distract yourself. Knitting anyone?
Improving your smile. Our dentists have been hard at work during Covid. Their clients have noticed that there’s no better time to perfect a smile than during a lockdown. If you’ve ever thought about investing in braces or Invisalign, seize the day. Take advantage of the time and invest in cosmetic dentistry to permanently improve your pearly whites. You’ll be thrilled with the result. A smile is your most important asset and the best remedy for RBF. Plus, you can still smile with your eyes even when wearing a mask! As smile is an invitation. It conveys friendliness and affability. The cure if you’re not a natural smiler? Conduct a smile workshop in your bathroom twice a day when brushing your teeth.
Founder and CEO of Beverly Hills Manners, Lisa Gaché is a nationally recognized etiquette coach and lifestyle expert. She provides practical modern day solutions and helps clients use the power of social intelligence to enhance their lives, both personally and professionally.
Featured on national television (The Today Show, Access Hollywood, Dr. Phil) and in print media (USA Today, New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, The Telegraph), Ms. Gaché received her certification as a Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant from The Protocol School of Washington along with a mark of distinction from The English Manner in London.
Lisa’s book, Beverly Hills Manners: Golden Rules from the World’s Most Glamorous Zip Code, published November 2014, is the go-to-guide for parents and Saudi princesses, NFL coaches and Oscar nominees. She is currently working on big vision to bring these crucial life tools and social change to the world. For further information, please contact www.beverlyhillsmanners.com.