Emotion: fear
Problem: breakup with partner
Situation: After breakup with partners I have a fear to meet with my friends

user: Good afternoon, Would you be able to assist me?

assistant: hello, my name is Sue, how can I help?

user: I broke up with my partner 1 month ago and now I don't really want to meet with my friend anymore.

assistant: How is the friendship related to the break up can you please explain? Breakups are such a challenging thing to go through.

user: We had friends in common and I feel they liked her better than me.

assistant: So you went through a breakup, and feel that the friends you had in common prefer her to you, so you don't want to see your firends any more, am I understanding correctly?

user: I have a fear they laughing at me behind my back, you know what I mean?

assistant: do you have any evidence they are laughing at you or not liking you? or is it a feeling you have? I know sometimes I think someone feels a certain way about me, but if I ask them, it turns out not to be true, and it clears the air. Sometimes it's just in my own head.

user: I don't know how to explain. I have a feeling everybody even on the street are laughing because of my breakup with partner.

assistant: i see but HAS anyone laughted at you? or told you they don't like you? or not responded when you have talked to them?

user: No, not really. I think it's just my feelings about it. Because you know my ex on a public was so perfect but nobody knows how she acted when we were alone...

assistant: i can relate to this. I went through a breakup a couple of years ago, and left town. Part of me is relieved I don't have to see those friends we had in common any more. I didn't want to be jiudged for leaving him. So I have experienced some similar feelings.

user: Good you understand me

assistant: Ah yes, the public and private can be quite different sometimes for sure have you reached out to any of these friends to test the waters? maybe called or texted just to touch base and have a chat that's not emotionally loaded, about light topics? This might be a non-threatening way to test out how they are feelng about you. You might be pleasantly surprised, and find that goes well.

user: One friend offered me to go for a drink tonight but I haven't replied yet. And also I don't want to talk about my ex at all, that's what I am afraid he can ask.

assistant: the other thing is these common friends might feel a bit awkard too about the situation. They have to figure out how to relate to you both on your own, it's a change of dynamics, so might take a bit of time to settle out. Can you tell your friend that you'd like to go out for a drink but that you don't feel comfortable talking about your ex at all? Would your friend respect your request if you made one do you think?

user: Yes that's true. I believe he might understand me and accept my request. Would be quite challenging if we will meet my ex wth other friends in same pub. I live in a small town.

assistant: oh I see, yes that could be awkward for sure. i think it's important you go out with your friend, but can understand your reluctance to run into your ex. Could you go out for coffee or lunch instead?

user: Well that's would be quite strange as we usually meet only for drinks.

assistant: Ah gotcha. So do you think you will accept or not? Or still need time to think about it?

user: I will give it a go and see what happens. I will text you tomorrow to let you know how it went

assistant: i hope if you go that you have an enjoyable time, and that your friend respects your boundaries. And worse case scenario, if your ex is there, you could leave early...if it were me I'd warn my friend that I might have to I'm glad you are going! Take care of yourself and have a good time. Was there anything else?

user: That's good tip, thanks I think that's it for today. have a lovely afternoon