You can’t even get your friends on the same page for a time to hang out, did you really think they’d all be on the same page when it comes to rona’ safety protocols? There’s plenty of unspoken tension building up in relationships nowadays between the folks taking this virus seriously and the others who are well…not. But the question becomes, what do you do when you’ve got a friend that’s not social distancing? Here’s what the experts say.
Look out for yourself.Ignorance isn’t an excuse at this point since you can’t turn on your phone without seeing coronavirus news and protocols. So it’s safe to say if your friend isn’t taking things seriously, it’s a choice. That’s why clinical therapist Caroline Given tells her clients “if people are doing things on social media or in front of you that feel risky, take that into account and weigh your decision about how much contact you want to have with them accordingly.”
Think about how close you really are.Before you put them on blast in their comment section, ask yourself if you’re close enough with them to do so. Given says that sharing how you feel about your friend's COVID habits could lead to a decrease in goodwill in the relationship. Plus, it’s not going to change their mind. So unless you’re looking to lose a friend, it’s probably best to skip the “where’s your mask” replies.
Set boundaries.If you want to hang out with someone, and you’re unsure of how safe they’re being, the easiest thing to do is just talk to them. Before the meetup, chat about whether you’ll be masking, staying six feet apart, and if they think they think they’ve been exposed recently. Instead of giving them a list of demands though, Given suggests telling them what precautions you’re taking and what limits you’re following. Hopefully, they’ll take the hint and follow suit. If not, it’s back to Zoom hangouts only for them.
Source:Bustle