Friend pressuring me to break covid rules

[Allthestarsarecloser]

I haven’t seen my friend for nearly a year like many people and she’s pressurising me to travel to her town to visit her for a restaurant meal indoors- she really laid it on thick earlier making me feel guilty when I said I was really uncomfortable and didn’t want to break the rules. I don’t want to travel as it would mean train travel and I don’t want to be in a restaurant.

Aibu? I hate all this shit - I had said I would meet half way and go for an outside walk so I could drive but she wasn’t keen. Aarrggh.

If you're in a higher tier you carry your tier restrictions with you and in any case you said no.

A real friend wouldn't pressurise you.

We are Tier 2 and I would be going to a Tier 2 so it’s def rule breaking

Peer pressure is not a sign of friendship. I would simply say sorry the rules don’t allow and I am happy to meet for a walk half way back if you wish.

Your friend doesn't sound like a good friend.

You don't live in the same household so you aren't supposed to mix indoors. You said no and she should accept it.

She shouldn't be pressurising you but you're doing the right thing sticking to your guns and offering her a rule-compliant alternative.

Meeting outside isn't much fun in December but that's what I've been doing with friends. It's frustrating to see so many people rule breaking when some of us are sitting / walking outside in the bloody freezing cold (and rain and wind) so we can keep our - and other people's - loved ones safe.

Font feel guilty. You are sticking to the rules. Just repeat, “that’s against the rules so we can’t do that”

FIL is the same. He wants us to travel to his tier to go for a meal with him and his wife. It would be breaking rule of 6 because we have 5 DC, it would be breaking tier crossing rules and also would be breaking tier 2 and 3 rule against mixing indoors... We told him this so he asked whether he could come to our house then 😬. This is why the UK has had so many cases, we don’t like rules.

She should respect your wishes, you’ve made it clear you’re uncomfortable and that’s the end of it. If she keeps pushing its fine to be firm back.

I know exactly what you mean, but lots seem to be doing it. I wouldn’t though.

We went out with our household yesterday for a meal, tier 2.

There were lots of mixed family groups, eg grandparents, parents and kids. Tables with 4 parents and 6+ kids. I struggle to believe that a large proportion were 1 household. I was quite shocked, but the pub did ask the question when we booked. I presume that’s all they can do?

YANBU

a real friend wouldn’t pressure you.

"I can't. I'd love to meet up with you when the restrictions change, though."

done.

My FIL is doing this - he wants to meet at a pub for lunch on Sunday. My DH has relented but I've said no because it's against the rules, plus I want to isolate for 10 days before seeing my family for Xmas. He probably thinks I'm being rude, but I don't care.

Stick to your guns!

Nobody should a) pressure you into breaking/bending the rules or b) pressure you into doing anything you don't feel comfortable with, even if it is within the rules.

Some people might not be anxious about covid, but others are, and we (your friend in this instance) should be mindful of that.

I’m meeting all of my friends for walks outdoors. It’s not exciting but it’s pleasant enough, and way more fun than sitting in a restaurant worrying about germs and feeling sad that my friend made me ‘part of the problem’.

Yanbu. Your friend is v v unreasonable not coming for a walk outdoors.