Emotion: sadness
Problem: problems with friends
Situation: I think I've drifted apart from a friend I've known since college because of the pandemic. We rarely communicate and the last time we did she tells me about the things she has been doing with her NEW friends.

assistant: Hi! What's on your mind tonight?

user: I think a friend I've known for 30 years since college has drifted away from me. Even during the pandemic she has made new friends.

assistant: Oh, I'm sorry, that's not fun at all, especially since you two have been friends for so long. Have you tried reaching out to her by phone, email or social media?

user: She has cut our conversations short by saying she is tried. She will return text but I feel like I am always initiating. She likes watching tv show and told me with her NEW friend they Facetime and watch TV together. I really hate watching TV so don't want to offer to participate.

assistant: Well, it's a positive sign that she hasn't blocked you completely. I agree, texting her each day could irritate her. That's okay! You shouldn't do anything that isn't fun or enjoyable or comfortable for either of you, in my opinion.

user: I am jealous that she is more successful in making new friends. I have not made a new friend in over 10 years.

assistant: It sounds like perhaps you should focus your attention on other friends and hopefully eventually this friend will need you for something in thier life

user: I don't have many other friends and they are out of state. The one we are talking about lived an hour away but we would see each other 4 to 6 times a year,

assistant: So you're saying you feel hurt and depressed at not being able to make new friends easily in the pandemic, correct? Ahhhh.,.....yes that;s difficult, oh boy.

user: Hurt, mad, jealous. I have trouble getting out enough to make friends - even if there wasn't a pandemic. I work a lot.

assistant: For the time being we're all stuck at home mostly, so maybe take some comfort in that in a strange way. Heck I rarely see my friends - maybe once a year, so I know how that feels.

user: Good to know I'm not alone.

assistant: On the bright side of things, at least you have a job. Do you enjoy your job? Maybe start friendships with coworkers, possibly.

user: Work place is very small and I'm not in the clique there. Vaccine will be available to my age group soon and the weather is getting warmer. So there is that to look forward too.

assistant: How often do you get out for fresh air? Sure it's not going to solve the lack of friends but it does help to clear your mind to go outside the next few months after work.

user: Good idea. I really hope being able to take walks will help me clear my thoughts.

assistant: Yes, I agree with you, the warmer weather with the vaccine will probably speed up the end of all this. Cabin fever is real.

user: I may join the book club when the library reopens.

assistant: It's really hard for people in our situation right now because there's only so many virtual things to attend but maybe I just thought of a virtual cocktail hour, and you could go on Facebook or even meetup.com or a free dating site to connect with other people in our situation who live near you. The book club is a great idea.

user: Good ideas. Thank you. It was nice chatting with you.