To have massive FOMO and worry this will happen repeatedly (local lockdown)

[Napqueen1234]

We live on the borders of the local lockdown in Greater Manchester (basically one of the small towns outside it) but virtually all our friends live in the next town along which is Merseyside. I feel so left out as they are all able to meet in pubs, go for meals, to each other’s houses (following the rules max 6, 2 households etc) but still. I know we can meet in parks etc but they don’t all have kids and just want to meet in pub gardens. I worry that winter will mean Manchester gets locked down a lot as a large city and densely populated so more likely to have spikes. It was ok when everyone we locked down but seeing friends out when we can’t really socialise is so depressing. We have young DC so DH and I can’t even go out for a meal or drink etc alone as we can’t use a babysitter. I was feeling so low in lockdown, I was doing better but my mood is sinking back down. Does anyone feel similar? Any advice?

Fear Of Missing Out!!! I was trying to work this out and had Full On Melt ... Over. It didn't work.

I used to commute a fair distance to work. Now all my friends live in the place where I used to go to work and I'm isolated away. I miss them too. We're not the only ones.

You can absolutely meet your friends in a pub garden, a) because the restriction only relates to indoors or private gardens, and b) because the legislation enacted on Mon did not mention any restriction on pubs, despite the govt advice given on Thurs. In fact you could legally meet your Merseyside friends inside a pub if you wanted to, though that is formally discouraged by the govt, if not the law...

I sort of know what you mean but so many people suffered from this even when everyone was in lock down such as people living in high rise flats watching TikTok videos of people in their massive gardens in the sun.

I live with chronic FOMO because I'm disabled and can't do much, and am never invited out and included by people (even when I've reminded them I'm around).

Lockdown was easy for me because it put everyone into a situation a little more like mine.

I'm back to the edges of FOMO now that friends are meeting back up and going things I wish I was.

It's not going to be forever. You have to make your own family contingency plan. Perhaps save particular fun indoor activities just for lockdowns to give you all something to look forward to if things are otherwise restricted.

I have a box of random things (lots of packages of pancake mix, certain snacks, xmas crackers, weird shit) which made the early lockdown more interesting.

There's all sorts of things you could do. You could even ask your friends to set you up with a what's app or facebook kessenger video call while they're in the pub, and you have a beer at home.

A bit of creativity always helps.

I’m so sorry @SeasideMaiden that puts things in perspective. Hope you’re doing ok.

The ‘lockdowns’ in the North are advisory only, they don’t have the backing of law.

You’re free to come and go as you please.

FOMO is for teenagers. Grow up!

@NikeDeLaSwoosh because that will help the virus stop spreading

Tbh the r rate has gone up in huytonn and St. Helens I wouldn’t be surprised if Merseyside goes in to lockdown

I don’t understand- you are outside the lockdown area and your friends are in Merseyside, also outside lockdown? If so there’s no restrictions.

Or are you in Altrincham or similar and don’t agree it’s Greater Manchester?

Personally I’m unsure as to whether meeting friends in their home is a good idea because it’s impractical to distance. I’m sure you could visit these friends as no one will know, aside from friends, where your home is located. Plus you can only meet one other couple anyway. And if pubs aren’t possible because of kids, well that’s just normal life with kids sadly.

@NikeDeLaSwoosh

The ‘lockdowns’ in the North are advisory only, they don’t have the backing of law.

You’re free to come and go as you please.

I'm not sure that is incorrect. I understood that It was guidance when first introduced, and became law earlier this week. Not sure how they can fine you if you break 'guidance'? Lots of reports last night about extra police patrols over the weekend. Also you cannot meet up with people inside pubs - although if you booked neighbouring tables I can't see how that is breaking the rules.

*correct

@RockingMyFiftiesNot

Turns out you’re right, it changed on aug 5th.

I stand corrected!

I kind of agree that FOMO is for teenagers. I have huge sympathy for people living alone or with disabilities or in abusive relationships during lockdown but the rest of us kind of need to see the bigger picture and put up with it. For the sake of those around us who are really vulnerable and the NHS workers still dealing eith covid every day. Maybe some perspective will help you? I say this kindly. Maybe look at all the things you have in your life and realise that beer gardens can wait a bit longer?

Look at it as restrictions, not lockdown, and try to make the most of what you can do (such as meeting in a park).

I'm in a very similar situation OP and it's crap

@ShastaBeast no we are in greater Manchester so part of the lockdown area. Friends just outside. Thanks all yes I do need to just get over it and see the bigger picture it’s just hard isn’t it. The whole thing is just a neverending.

where I am (not uk) there is a 'jomo' campain.
no official lockdown, but people are encouraged to stay close to home and outdoor activities in are promoted.
tv ads and all

Sorry just reread!!' You can meet in a pub garden! (Which seems ridiculous!)

If you are sticking to the 2 households rule surely you can’t be at every meeting anyway? Just by laws of averages. It sucks, I’m in Leicester so totally get it, but if your friends aren’t willing to meet at least once in a place you’re able too I’d be upset, they don’t sound very considerate.

@nutellatoast

Sorry just reread!!' You can meet in a pub garden! (Which seems ridiculous!)

Why is this ridiculous? Isn't the thinking that transmission in open air spaces is less likely than indoors.

Some people seem to be seeing the word 'FOMO' and missing the point? Yes the restrictions could be worse. Yes its also horrible for people who really struggled in lockdown (I went on anti-depressants) to face the prospect of being plunged back into some measure of it, and then possibly a long winter of on/off measures while the rest of the country mostly gets on with life. Everyone I know in real actual life is weary now and scared of more lockdown. Also I hate this whole "You're only allowed to say you're struggling if you meet these particular arbitrary criteria of Proper Hardship I just made up" bollocks (and I say that as someone who very much grew up with Proper Hardship).

Just fucking get on with it and stop whinging. Do what you want.

The police don't have the time or resources to "police" ANY of this effectively.

The worst that can happen is you get a fine .... a fine for living your life.

There are exemptions down most guidelines anyway so just crack in with your life.

it's ridiculous because you can't meet in your own garden. I can't take my kids, to see their grandma, in her huge garden where we could socially distance. but you can meet in a pub beer garden where theyre packed in and almost definitely not sitting with their own family members.

I have been thinking about this. I’m in an area threatening to lock down. For me it’s not seeing family very easily. Also I went into lockdown with a newly disabled partner after a massive brain haemorrhage.

We are going to have to get used to this in and out - as are our children. So there has to be strategies for adapting to a changing situation. That’s what I’m thinking.

Also I don’t agree that FOMO is for teenagers. The idea that we are all 100% mature 100% of the time sounds fictitious to me.

So it’s time to concentrate on the little ones again and if your set up allows factor in some adult time either with your fella or with a friend outside. That sort of thing?