Emotion: sadness
Problem: problems with friends
Situation: I'm feeling very lonely lately and I don't have many friends to turn to.  This makes me sad because I've always had only a few friends but now they have families and kids and I feel more alone than ever.

assistant: Hello, how are you today?

user: Hi, I'm feeling pretty lonely today and don't have friends I can reach out to.

assistant: I am sorry to hear that - how about reaching out to any family members?

user: I have my husband, but with COVID he's the only person I've really had interactions with lately. He's great, but it's just not the same as having a friend to turn to. I feel every time I reach out to the friends I do have they are too busy with their families to talk.

assistant: I feel a lot of people are in your situation especially with Covid going on. Do you connect with friends on social media at all (like facebook)?

user: Yea, I do comment on their social media and follow up with their lives there. I do not actively post about my own life because we have been extremely cautious with covid as I am high risk, so we don't even go grocery shopping. I think I am just feeling fatigued of being stuck inside, which makes me feel sad about everything else.

assistant: I can totally understand where you are coming from. I think it is great that you are at least getting a little communication with facebook. I am guessing you will be in line for a vaccination also in the up coming month which I think will help your mood as well.

user: Yes, I am awaiting my turn for the vaccine and I am very much looking forward to getting it so I can get back to some normalcy. I miss being able to go shopping or sitting in a coffee shop. These activities helped me in the past, so I look forward to being able to get out and do them again. I used to visit my friends too and we'd have lunch or coffee at their house, but obviously I haven't been able to do that lately. I will be able to once I get the vaccine.

assistant: I was able to get my first dose of this vaccine this past Sunday. I was very surprised how good I felt this week like a weight being lifted off my shoulders. I work with high school kids so it was nice not thinking about covid all the time. I not it might not help for you today but I think it will give you something to look forward as you move forward in the upcoming weeks. *I know

user: That's so exciting for you! I am hoping I will be able to get mine in the coming weeks. I've definitely been looking forward to getting it. I decided a week ago that I would get a puppy as a companion. So I am looking forward to that, but he will not be coming home until the beginning of May. But you're right I need to look forward to the things that will bring me happiness even though it's hard right now.

assistant: Absolutely. The weather seems to be getting nicer as well. Do you like any outdoor activites (ex. walking outside)?

user: I love walking outside. We had a 60 degree day not too long ago and I went outside immediately to walk. My mood was better that day than it has been in months. I am definitely looking forward to spring, which is quickly approaching now! I have to say, I appreciate you pushing me in the direction of thinking positively and looking forward to the future, it's something I definitely lost my grasp on for a little while.

assistant: I think you got a lot of things to be excited about and look forward to - 1. warmer weather 2. longer-daylight hours 3. vaccine upcoming - which then will open up the activities you enjoy like shopping and going out for coffee 4. Getting a puppy In the mean time, I think it helps to try to keep busy. Is there goals you can set for yourself each day? Like maybe working on a room for a puppy, to take a walk outside each day, an area of the house that should get cleaned, or start a new hobby (like finding a book you have been meaning to read)

user: You're definitely right I have a lot to be excited about. I like the idea of setting goals each day. Now that the weather is slightly nicer I think going for a daily walk is a good idea. Also, definitely preparing for puppy and getting an area set up and arranged for him is a great idea. I find myself mindlessly scrolling the internet many days so reading a book is also a great idea.

assistant: Maybe even with each day that you make a point to contact a friend each day either by phone call, email, or facebook? Just say Hi - how are you doing? - look forward to meeting up at some point for coffee. This might get an engaging conversation going with some of your friends.

user: That's a good point, maybe an e-mail as that is something they may check when they have some down time, where as when I text I feel a lot of times they look at it and are busy and then forget to respond. But if they sit down and are checking their emails maybe they will have time for a quick response.

assistant: Yes that is good low-key way of connecting. Rather than a call or text message. I am guessing many of your friends are experiencing the same feelings that you (and many of us) are.

user: I think they probably are, most of them have quite young children and it's been hard not being able to connect with their family or have play dates for their kids for much of the year. I hope we can all gather again soon. It seems like things are moving in the right direction finally.

assistant: Yes it has been a long year in that regard. I know being a teacher we finally start back with kids full-time April 5th so it basically has been a full year of distance learning and teaching through a computer.

user: Yea that had to be tough on the kids in school. And the teachers. I can't imagine being a kid in school going through all of this. I just want to say thank you so much for all of your help today and really giving me a push in the right direction. I'm not sure if it was just getting to chat with someone other than my husband or the advice you gave, but I am feeling more positive. Thanks and I hope you have a good day :)

assistant: I am glad to help and hope you have a great rest of your week!!!

user: Thank you!