Emotion: shame
Problem: problems with friends
Situation: My friends are  not taking the current pandemic seriously and often have get togethers.

user: Hello, how are you?

assistant: Hi there! How may I support you?

user: Well, I'm really upset with my friends.

assistant: I am so sorry to hear that. Did something happen?

user: Yes, they aren't taking COVID seriously.

assistant: Oh that is so hard. I have family that isn't taking COVID seriously as well, and its so frustrating to see. Are you able to talk to them about your concerns?

user: Yes but they get angry with me. I don't know how to get through to them,

assistant: Some people express their frustrations in certain ways. Do you think there is another way to communicate with them? It's also okay to stand up for yourself and stand by what you feel is right.

user: I really don't know I just haven't been seeing them at all but I see through social media that they have large parties but I do feel left out. It's a weird dynamic.

assistant: It sounds like you're finding it hard to balance the isolation you feel during this pandemic, while you know it's the safest option, with the social gatherings your friends are having. Does that sound right?

user: That's exactly right.

assistant: that is such a hard position to be in. it sounds like you are doing your best by choosing to be safe and keep your distance.

user: I'd like to think so but I wish they would too. It's hard to know what is right.

assistant: I have found that having vitural movie nights, or going on socially distanced walks with my pals has been so helpful with staying connected. Is this something you think your friends would be willing to try?

user: Yes, but they'll have their BBQs and parties anyway. They are having a group Thanksgiving and there will be a lot of people there. My husband and I feel bad that we aren't going, but we also know it isn't smart.

assistant: I think a lot of people are going by the notion that you can't live your life in fear, and that they're going to have these big family gathering regardless of what is happening with COVID. The stats have shown that after holidays the cases have surged, for example, memorial day, 4th of July, labor day. But I think its important to remember the bigger picture that peoples lives are literally at stake and the people that disregard need to be more aware.

user: We feel like after this is all over, they will still remind us that we were standoffish during this time. And I agree. The longer we put it off and don't take it seriously, the longer it will last.

assistant: Can you tell them that that just isn't the case? You and your husband are making the right choice by staying home for the safety of yourselves and others. If I am correct, it has nothing to do with the fact that you don't want to see your pals and family! From chatting with you it sounds like your relationships with these people is incredibly important to you.

user: Yes that's totally accurate. Yes they are. They are good people. They just think living for the moment is the bigger picture.

assistant: I hope your friends can see how important they are to you and thats a huge reason why you're not seeing them.

user: I think they do. They just think that this is a hoax.

assistant: I know a lot of people that think the same thing. I have one friend who thought that, and they ended up contracting COVID. Thankfully she was ok, but after she got it she definitely didn't think it was a hoax anymore. I hope they understand the risk they are taking.

user: That's scary. Yeah I don't think they get it.

assistant: I am proud of the choices you are making and I hope you can take some comfort in knowing that you are doing your part in helping keep things under control. There is a strength in numbers and the more people who understand that the faster it can be controlled.

user: Thank you. I hope it gets better. But anyway thank you for giving me the chance to open up.