Ten Rules To Live By (Even In The Metaverse).

By Erica and Karen

1. Do have an online life. The metaverse is entertaining and educational. But do not mistake it for real life. And consider carefully where you want to wear a VR headset.

2. Do not meet up with a person, and then spend your time together checking your device or answering every call or text. Or wearing a VR headset. To do that is a disrespectful waste of time.

3. Do not wear a VR headset, and do not stop, at the top or bottom of busy stairs, or on a narrow sidewalk. Sidewalks are for walking, not for staring at a device—or even to have an extended chat with your best friend. Keep moving.

4. Do look forward. The rule see and avoid governs flight under visual rules. Those rules apply to walking as wel. On the ground, that means when you are moving, especially if you are moving quickly, and even more especially when you are crossing against traffic, do not look backward, or sideways, or down at your device.

5. Do smile at people you know, and, when you and another person are the only people for miles around, at people you do not know. Maybe even talk to strangers. There could be many benefits. (Why are people so stonefaced on narrow paths in beautiful places? Looking at you, Miami Beach Baywalkers.)

6. Don’t spend a moment thinking about what the term age appropriate might mean for people over 12. It is a null set. Despite what the metaverse might suggest.

7. Do jazz up your outfit with some color, especially on a gray day. People just love to see real people wearing color—even when they are too scared to wear it themselves.

8. Do cook, at least once in a while. Good for your brain, and your health, and for everyone around you. You and they will enjoy the aroma of a good meal being prepared. You can’t replicate that virtually. But feel free to find recipes in the metaverse.

9. Do read and write. Read books, and write the occasional note. Reading and writing are basic skills. We know quite a few people who can no longer do either. Your brain will thank you for the exercise. And the recipient will appreciate the note.

10. Do enjoy getting older. Don’t be fazed by the focus on electoral age. Do keep up with developments for healthy longevity. You can’t change the trajectory, but with help, including amazing new science, you can create your own fabulous story, in real life.