Courtesy of mushypony.com

The paranoia is getting crazy in Toronto. Line-ups for vaccines go on for hours, people glare at anyone who coughs, hand-shakes are being rejected… but the one man who’s stuck in the most risky business of all is still all smiles. Tom, the Holt Renfrew greeter has been known for his double-cheek kisses for years. So how does he feel about all this? Is he worried about getting H1N1?

“It’s fine.” He says. “I wear my gloves more now, use Purell, it’s really not a big issue for me.”

Pony: Have you gotten the flu shot this year?

Tom: “No, and I don’t intend on getting it. I got sick a few years back from the shot so I’d rather take my chances. Sure, being exposed to the air all day increases the risk of getting sick but there’s really not much to get so worried about.”

Pony: How has the public been with you?

Tom: “There’s the odd person here and there who doesn’t want to shake hands, which is fine. I’ve stopped instigating the kisses because it’s a tender issue, but if someone would like one then that’s fine with me. I’m not about to start wearing a mask while I greet people.”

Pony: Has management talked to you about H1N1?

Tom: “Sure, they’re aware like anyone else. They just want to make sure everyone’s using Purell and doing the best they can to avoid getting sick. But we’re not worried about it. I’m a people-person, I like to interact a lot, and I can’t change who I am just because of the H1N1.”

Hopefully, we can all learn from Tom and stay grounded throughout the flu-frenzy. Be smart about it of course, but remember you can still smile and go shopping without having to worry about who last touched the Balenciaga tote on display in the center of the room.

XoXo
– The Cowgirls