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COVID CONVERSATIONS

This past week I’ve had three COVID conversations with the people I love and care about.

What’s a COVID conversation, you ask?  Good question.

A COVID conversation is a conversation where I confront someone in my network about their lack of adherence to the current COVID restrictions.

I started having these conversations in the Autumn when I noticed friends were posting photos depicting non-COVID friendly activities on Facebook.  I had thought about going off Facebook for a while because seeing these photos got me very angry every time I saw them.  There I was, following the rules, and these folks were going about their days as if there is no public health emergency.

But I could not sit back and pretend to condone or “like” their shenanigans.  Too many people are getting sick and dying.  I cannot imagine how that is not being considered.

Sadly, I have received a lot of push back.  A LOT!  I’ve heard phrases such as:  You are being too rigid; You just need to do your best – you don’t have to be so literal.  Those people are in my bubble (don’t even get me started on that excuse!).  No.  No.  No.

If you are also frustrated with the selfish behaviours of others, please join me in having tough COVID conversations with those you love.

Some suggestions for you:

1. 1. Get the facts first.
      This is hard when your friend, Mary, tells you she is organizing a birthday party for her 16-year-old daughter.  You think:  What the heck is Mary thinking?  When you eventually find out the party is on ZOOM, you’ll want to give Mary a big hug.   It’s important to ask questions before you make assumptions.
   2. Just say it.
      While I don’t necessarily support calling out strangers (example:  There could be a medical reason for that woman in the store who is not wearing a mask), I do think we have a responsibility to our community’s health/wellbeing to confront people within our family and our social circle.  Will it cause a problem in the relationship?  Maybe.  Seriously though, would it be such a big loss to lose a friendship with someone who is that selfish?  Believe me, there’s no nice way of saying, “Bob, you are being a big jerk by hosting a dinner party.” I don’t recommend that wording – but I am sure you get my drift.
   3. Challenge the loopholes.
      I loved it when Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC Provincial Health Officer, said “Don’t look for loopholes.”  We can all be creative when we are explaining our own bad choices.  We all know the spirit behind the rules.  Follow both the rules and the spirit of the rules.

We are all suffering through COVID.  We will suffer longer if we don’t speak out against bad behaviour.

I believe the main reason so many people are freely defying the rules/explaining their lack of adherence to the rules, is because they know most people will not challenge them.  Please challenge these people. Make it uncomfortable for them to be selfish.

Please join me in having a COVID conversation.