End birthday candles, and other COVID-19 lifestyle changes we should probably make permanent

"The coronavirus pandemic has caused hardship and sorrow around the world, but it has also forced innovations that might stick around after the pandemic is under control," Axios notes. And it's not all addition. There are lots of "everyday experiences the coronavirus pandemic has endangered," for better or worse, The Washington Post adds. Here are four popular changes Axios suggests we embrace and four old habits the Post hints we let fade away:

Axios:

• Movie studios and theaters have been forced to make more films, especially new releases, available for streaming at home.
• "Remote job postings allow workers anywhere to find employment where the jobs are — and remote work cuts out the commute, giving time, money, and life satisfaction back to workers while reducing fuel demand."
• "Outdoor dining and pedestrian-friendly streets" have flourished for safety reasons and to societal benefit.
• More cities and states have allowed alcohol home deliveries, and existing grocery delivery services have taken off.

The Washington Post:

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• Birthday candles: "Someday, when we are freed from pandemic purgatory, when our birthday parties no longer involve a grid of pixelated faces on a computer screen, will we still dim the lights and sing as a glowing cake slowly glides into the room," destined to be bathed in saliva droplets? No.
• Buffets: "If anything, the coronavirus outbreak has simply reminded us of the risks already inherent in buffets."
• Ball pits: "The majority of ball pits in the United States are closed right now, and nobody's in a huge hurry to reopen them."
• Cash: "Does the pandemic signify the oft-declared death of ­sage-colored currency? Cash now seems fraught with risk, not only because of the bills and coins but the proximity of other people involved in each transaction."

The pandemic has affected everyone in the U.S., some much more tragically than others. But "for all of the nightmarish experiences we'd all like to forget," Axios says, "it's worth remembering that there have been changes we could choose to keep — and that might actually make our post-pandemic lives better." Read more suggested lifestyle changes at Axios and The Washington Post.