You certainly find out who your friends are

[Petetongue]

Except for family who are brilliant only one friend out of many has asked how I am, not pitying, I have loads of family, just surprised that people I have known for years and thought cared a little actually don't. I have texted to see how they are and they have replied but no mention of how I am. You've got to laugh, a good learning curve though.

Is there some reason they should be asking how you are? Are you in a worse state that anyone else just now?

How are you Petetongue?
How is Pete? [win]

I'm sorry to hear that. How are you?

Sorry should have been

• How is Pete?

I thought it was social that you enquire after someone, out of genuine interest and they enquire about you, obviously they arent genuinely interested though 😂 Its ok, like I say I have family, just a bit surprised cos these are friends I've known for years.

And thank you for asking, I will be ok. How are you?

I actually know what you mean, I think that people are a little bit wrapped up in themselves right now. It's all about big statements e.g. posting stuff on Facebook about 'being kind' or 'love the NHS' (I do!!), but actual real-life friendships and offering nice words like 'how are you?' 'How's your poorly mum' etc. are getting neglected a little.

Scared, like everyone else! Husband's job has just gone for a burton (leisure industry) - waiting to hear what his employers will do about the 80% thing. Fortunately my job is safe and I can WFH.

Think people are stressing and got their family to think about, its a hard scary time.

Yes, needtoknow, I think you are right, I genuinely want to know how friends are but I think you are right. Thememorylingers I hope everything turns out well for you. I think the measures that the government have put in place today have eased your worries, it is very tough for people like you.

I think most people are rather stressed at the moment op

I'm not sure. Unless you have told them you think you may have the virus or feel unwell everyone has their own shit to deal with. It's a hard time for everyone and things are busy when they are considering their own families. That said, I hope you're ok.

I'll be OK, Pete. Luckily I'm the higher earner, and the restrictions that have been imposed will save us some money - we're not planning to book a holiday now, and there'll be no wandering round the shops and impulse buying or going out for a meal or any of the little 'expenses' we take for granted in normal life.

I know what you mean. I babysit/do favours for someone.
But she hasn't asked me if i needed anything picking up, or a lift so i could carry shopping. She has a car, i don't and I'm in the at risk group.

I now realise that she does just enough to keep me sweet, without actually caring.

My Sister also hasn't offered any help, my DD has helped her, but can only do so because i babysit. This has put the lid on us not having a relationship.

Everyone has their own shit to deal with but that doesn't excuse forgetting common courtesy. These little things keep is human in times like this.

I understand Pete, must be a tricky time with nightclubs shutting out must be a lack of DJ opportunities - maybe try radio for a while again?

Ive been in bed most of the day with anxiety and panic attacks.
Not got the head space or the energy to ask after friends at the moment, too busy worrying if i will have a job or money to feed my child next month.
Feeling a little better after todays announcements.
I will contact friends as soon as im well enough to do so, its not that i dont care but im fighting fire just to get through the day as i imagine are many other people.

I think it's a lot to take in at the moment, and more for some than others... I'm planning to call / text most friends over the next few days to see how they're doing, but this week I have been trying to finish my work so I can look after my kids from Monday. Have you been in touch with your friends to see how they are?

Headlock, I have told them i have a flare up of an illness that certainly puts me hugely in the at risk category- respiratory problem. But I did ask how they were because I really am genuinely interested.
Thememorylingers, I'm glad to hear you will be ok in the interim I hope that life gets back to normal and you can look forward to doing everything you want to in the near future.
Ponoka7, I think you know where I'm coming from, disappointing isnt it.

I understand that some people are suffering with mh issues, one of my friends is in the pub though!

You don’t think they’re dealing with their own shit, homeschooling their children while trying to work FT from home, do grocery drops for elderly or unwell relatives?

Anyway. How are you?

Well no I don't, they are my friends, I have known them for years. I know their personal circumstances.

Why thankssomuch thank you for asking. I am taking medication for my current condition and hope it doesn't worsen and how are you?

So none of them have had their lives made more complex or stressful by Covid-19 in any way, and you think they should be thinking about you?