Touch Free Hugs

                                   

         Have you noticed the lack of touch during the pandemic? I thought about this at my local touch-free car wash. Now our daily life is full of touch free experiences such as online grocery shopping, virtual doctor appointments, and online classes for every interest and topic. During this unique time, we all have to limit our physical touch. We are learning to show our gratitude in touchless ways. We give virtual hugs to our family and friends in person and over the Internet. In stores and restaurants, we smile with our eyes and keep our hands to ourselves. Humans thrive on touch, but during this time in history, we have to stay away from germs.

A hotel in Las Vegas is being renovated for a touch-free visit. Will it still attract guests after the pandemic? This unique hotel offers a germ free experience. Guests have access to a mobile app named ‘Lucy’. She will control the TV, lighting, and the thermostat in each hotel room. All rooms have custom lighting with motion sensors. Guests can also check-in and out of the hotel with Lucy. The hotel rooms have two spaces separated by a privacy door. The first room is the “dressing room” and the second is the “lounge.” I wonder if they will allow daily cleaners in the rooms. The hotel used to be the Hard Rock Hotel which was a very hands-on environment, I am curious to visit the new Virgin Hotel and meet Lucy ‘in person.’ The pandemic is changing the hotel industry and how it attracts guests. Las Vegas hotels are offering national businesses office space, discounted rooms, and casino perks to increase revenue. The COVID epidemic is affecting the future state of our consciousness and environment.

Let’s make an extra effort to reach out to others. I heard about a woman who holds daily office hours for people to come and just talkto her. She has the time to listen and people have the money to pay. I suppose her rates are less than a qualified psychologist. Think of someone you can call today who would enjoy hearing from you. You can listen and show them you care in this touch-free environment. It won’t cost you anything but a little bit of time. We all have extra time in this new world.