Why can't people accept that I'm still following the rules?!

[Blurp]

In the past week or so, I've heard more and more people saying they're not bothering with Covid restrictions any more, and "nobody's doing any of that now".

Fine if they want to risk catching it themselves, but why can't they appreciate that not everyone has given up on the rules, and let those of us who are shielding (or who just want to be cautious, or are severely anxious, or for whatever reason are still following the rules) do so without a load of pressure?!

It's my niece's birthday this week, and they're having a party for her. Will be at least 10 families coming to their house, lots of preschool kids. I told her I wouldn't make it because I'm still being cautious about gatherings (not to mention that this one is well beyond any of the restriction limits), and she said "Oh, nobody's worried about that any more, it'll be fine!", and then sent a few messages saying the same thing, told the rest of the family in the group chat and laughed at how ridiculous I was being, and is now a bit offended that I'm not going.

I mean, if she wants to have a party, she can crack on, but I'm fed up of being ridiculed because I don't want to go. I suppose it comes down to "why can't people accept other people's choices?" doesn't it?

Yep. I’m with you, OP. Was told tonight that the figures on the news are “scaremongering” and that “more people die of flu and pneumonia”. 😳

This is no consolation at all, but they won’t be laughing in another month.

Well it’s illegal from tomorrow, not just guidelines anymore so they could be reported and fined. They should really be more careful!

I’d send her this news story...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-54140150

10 families must be minimum 30 people.

Report them

My Auntie hasn’t held her granddaughter who was born just before my DD. I’ve let people hold her but my Auntie still does as she’s told. I admire anybody who’s still doing it and I’ve even said myself that I should rein it in as I feel I’ve got complacent. Touch wood, nobody I know of that I’ve been in contact with has caught it so I’ve been lucky. The fact it’s now illegal has made me definitely change my ways. Told myself I wasn’t going out drinking and being stupid so I’m alright but that’s not the point is it!? I think I’ll be sticking to guidelines from now on as I’d like to hope Christmas with family is going to be allowed 😕

but I'm fed up of being ridiculed because I don't want to go. I suppose it comes down to "why can't people accept other people's choices?" doesn't it?

Unfortunately there a some people who think everyone should think like them and get offended when you don’t. Maybe they see it as a slight. It goes on with all sorts of things not just Covid. It’s their insecurities but it comes out as controlling and manipulative.

As for the party I think they and everyone who goes is being extremely stupid and hope they can afford the fines - hopefully others will see sense and drop out.

Thanks everyone. I was feeling quite down about it last night, but it's good to know I'm not just being "goody two-shoes".

Her reasoning is that the rules don't make sense, and I agree that they don't, but... I don't want to catch Covid or spread it. I don't see the point in sticking 2 fingers up to the government (even though I think they've been useless) - I want the restrictions to end as soon as possible, and life to go back to normal, and I don't see how that will happen if people keep spreading it!

You shouldn't be ridiculed, but equally some ;many) want to have some kind of life!! Although there needs to be some balance.

A neighbour might report them!

That party of 10 is now actively against the law. Now it's got to this stage, I would just say I absolutely won't be breaking the law by attending, sorry.

But yes, I'm with you. I'm due to give birth in a few weeks and have followed the rules - and had a few weeks shielding - throughout. I'm bored but it's the right thing to do. I expect nobody except my parents will get to meet my new baby for months :(

Her reasoning is that the rules don't make sense

The rules are imperfect. In virus terms, the correct thing to do is to lockdown as much as possible, because the virus is clearly not under control in the UK. But that has so many negative side effects - economy, loneliness, socialisation for children.

So the rules are a balancing act. That's why they don't make sense if you pick at 'why six people, not seven'. But overall, do we need to still social distance and limit contact? Yes we do, so a number must be chosen.

I expect your family, if reacting negatively, are struggling to deal with what is happening. That's why they get angry. Read up on covid rationalisation, it's an unhealthy response, basically the people saying 'its just flu' etc are soothing themselves.

You shouldn't go to something you're not comfortable with. You're right not to go to an indoor party imo, doing so is an unnecessary risk.

Other people do want to.pretend it's over, but you don't have to join in the delusion just to make them feel better!