Distancing with friends- not always easy

[Chestergirl39]

Anyone else find it awkward seeing friends and colleagues and there’s always one who doesn’t quite get the distancing?

Stands/sits too close, comes right up close to talk etc. Doesn’t seem too bothered about the virus....

It’s really hard to know what to do! I find myself stepping backwards, too polite to say anything as don’t want to look rude or paranoid!

Is it just me?

Could you discuss your personal boundaries with friends? I guess everyone has a different view on risk factor. Even though I'm not extremely cautious about the virus myself, I would only get closer to people I know are comfortable with that. And I also have only been close to a few people. Could you let them know you take SD quite seriously without offending?

I’m more worried about passing it on if I happen to have it and be asymptomatic. One of my colleagues is high risk and shielded, but has no clue on distance, and not great with masks either. I’d feel terrible if I gave it to her. I have more risk factors than her as have kids in school. I do mention to her not to come too close but she keeps forgetting!

Close friends mainly are on the same page as me thankfully., but occasionally others want to huddle in for selfies etc! Feel like a killjoy but presuming that’s how it spreads?

Tbh if your high risk colleague chooses not to SD or wear a mask then that's their problem

I think you are wrong to make this all about your friend and her health (and though I agree with you that what she is doing is risky and antisocial, after months in isolation and the very real possibility that she will be recalled to isolate indefinitely at some point this autumn I can see why she craves human contact during the time shielding is paused)

Instead, own your own view. You are uncomfortable.

And yes, I think you should say something. Because you are right - its really important that we are prudent about keeping the proper distance (breaking transmission chains is really important as it's the only way to limit spread, and if we want to avoid ever stricter forced restriction)

If you don't say 'that's a bit close' and make a point of getting to a better distance, you'll find yourself being chased round the room as you step, way and she closes in again

If they're friends then why can't you say something or step away. I think you're making this into a big deal where it isn't one.

I couldn't care less about corona but I hate being close to people in general and I am more than happy to say to anyone I want space and that was long before this! Say something. Keep whatever space you want. Move on. f your friends don't respect your wishes then they're not great friends I wouldn't think....

We're all going through this in different ways. I've only SD with friends outside and we bring our own chairs/drinks where possible, but one friend won't get nearer than 4m. It's more important to see her, so I really don't care. If your friend is genuine, they should understand and accept you need to distance.

I just take a step back and say “I do social distancing”, usually in a fairly apologetic way. Although it shouldn’t have to be!

They are probably craving some sort of normality. It's a pretty strong craving! If you're wearing a mask you're already doing a lot to negate the closeness.