Brother. Please talk small small.

I never did take particular notice to how forcefully Nigerians speak until the advent of COVID-19. Indeed most of our day to day expressions are not complete if not expressed with a little gusto.

My guy!

How far now!

Or when a police man stops your car: ‘Park there!’

Or the market woman: ‘Oga come and buy!’

Or in the bus: ‘Wole pelu change e!’ (Enter with your change!)

We’ve been told that Covid 19 is transmitted through droplets (secretions from the mouth, nose and eyes) from one person to another and to stay safe you have to keep at least 6metres (2 feet) from the next person (social distancing).

Indeed most of our cultural ways of greeting require intense emotion and expression. The average Nigerian respecting the new norms of social distancing must be feeling very restrained.

Fortunately or unfortunately, that has become our new reality. For now.

These days, It could be my imagination, but I can literally see droplets flying round when people speak.

So next time you find me pulling back or even running away when you greet me, it’s not I don’t appreciate your greeting, I’m just trying to stay safe from the potential missile launch of those droplets.