Emotion: sadness
Problem: problems with friends
Situation: I am stuck in my house to protect my family from covid. All of my friends don't include me/talk to me anymore because I am no longer able to participate in their activities during the pandemic. They all left me and they used to be my best friends.

user: hello, how're you?

assistant: GOOD. What bring you here today

user: I'm feeling rather sad. I used to have a very close-knit group of friends, basically my best friends. We would talk all the time, hang out together, and basically just do everything together. Because of Covid, I've had to stay in my house and basically not associate with anyone else. My friends don't even try to talk to me anymore. I understand that life goes on without me, but they could at least try. They never even offered to wear a mask around me. They would make fun of me when I wore a mask. They didn't support my decisions when I was trying to still be a part of the group while also protecting my family (since they are all high risk)

assistant: So what I hear you saying is that since COVID your friends won't talk to you and that they make fun of you for wanting to wear a mask and protect yourself?

user: Yes. Sure they've tried to stay in touch but it's always me starting the conversation. Or if they start it, it only involves "hi how're you, good how're you," and then the conversation ends.

assistant: I am sorry to hear that your friends have been so distant lately. Have you tried to ask them why they have been this way?

user: Yes. They say that because I'm not hanging out with them physically, it's hard. They also say that I don't put effort into conversations when I feel like I am the only one putting in effort (which I have stated and they have said I don't).

assistant: So what I hear you saying is that they have backed away from you because you have chosen to take precautions due to COVID and they are choosing to not? Is that correct?

user: Yes this is correct.

assistant: Well you are being smart by doing the right thing and protecting yourself and others during this time. You should not feel bad about what you are doing.

user: Thank you. I just don't know what to do in this situation. I don't want to keep reaching out when I don't feel like they actually want to keep in contact with me. I know we could still get along well, but it's hard when I'm the only one to make the effort.

assistant: Do you have any other friends besides this group? Do you have other people that you could reach out to that are social distancing that you could relate to more during this time that you would have more in common with right now?

user: I have very few that have similar thoughts as me that I have tried to reach out to. But most of them have their own lives, boyfriends/girlfriends, and things they do. Mostly everyone seems to be hanging out with people which leaves me physically left out.

assistant: What hobbies or activities do you like to do?

user: I play field hockey so I train a lot in my basement (because I'm scared to go out to the gym), I listen to music, read, watch Christmas movies, and I love talking to people. Honestly, I'm okay. I have my family and other things to occupy my time. It's just hard finding other friends right now in the times we're living in.

assistant: Field hockey that sounds like an exciting sport to play! That does sound like it would keep you busy Have you thought about the possibility of meeting people online that share some of the same things that you like to do and that you could talk to ?

user: I don't want to go actually practice on a field right now because 1.) It's rather cold outside 2.) I have to wear a mask 3.) I'd only shoot on goal, waste gas, and a good chunk of time. But when I have other people it is fun. I haven't tried that because where would I even go? I don't want to be desperate either ya know?

assistant: I understand that you feel that you would look desperate but you said you like reading book so there may be some online book clubs that you could join. I know that I have been involved in those and I didn't feel like I was seen as desperate since there are so many people that want to be social but don't want to put themselves at risk.

user: I never thought of that! That's is an amazing idea -- maybe I will look into that Thank you for talking with me today.

assistant: I am so glad I was able to help. Maybe we can try and set up another time to talk again?

user: Sure!

assistant: Sounds great. You can let me know if you found a book club.

user: Awesome! Thanks again for everything -- and merry christmas or happy holidays sorry