‘Super-spreader’ soirée not worth the stress

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This article was published 29/10/2022 (1423 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: My husband and I love to dance and we’ve been invited to a big Halloween bash with many old friends. He can’t wait to go, but I think it’s going to be a COVID super-spreader!

There will be a DJ and I love to dance and party, and my guy loves to drink and have me drive him home safely. So, apparently, we’re going to go, and damn the consequences, says my man! That means we need safe-as-possible costumes. What are your suggestions to keep us safer?

— Afraid of COVID Consequences, St. Boniface

Dear Afraid: You’ll need costumes with a natural mask, like a cowgirl/cowboy duo with bandanas, or maybe full-face ghost costumes made out of sheets. There will be rubber masks on sale everywhere last-minute, although they can get quite hot when dancing, as the mouth is just a slit in the rubber.

Medical experts advise double-masking at social functions, no matter what outfit you’re wearing, and also hand-sanitizing frequently. Also, go outside for fresh air regularly, if you want to take your mask off, but make sure to keep a safe distance from others outdoors.

Hot tip: Stay far away from drunks who tend to lose all their inhibitions — and their protective masks, if they even wear one at all!

Medical experts say COVID is everywhere right now, and a shocking number of people are still not immunized. Are yours up to date? If not, you’d really be best to stay home and sit this party out. Maybe you can find a great scary movie that would satisfy your husband — but good luck with that, as your “party boy” seems raring to go!

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: How would you say well-being and mood work together in getting past COVID infection? Does your physical health come back first, followed by a happier state, or would feigning happiness actually help in feel better physically? My sister and I have been debating this since we have both been dealing with the effects of long COVID.

We are so PO’d at each other! Why? Because of her phoney act. She makes a spectacle of how brave and happy she is these last few months. She loves the compliments from people on how “strong” she is, to be powering through long COVID with a smile on her face. Yuck!

She tells me — a person who’s been just as sick with COVID as she has — to get through it like she’s doing, with the help of phone calls and well wishes, and bouquets of flowers from people.

I’m just suffering my way through it the best I can — I’m just so sick of being at home and feeling depressed. I know I’m a sad sack compared to my sister and her fake smile. Don’t people see through it and get sick of her “I’m so brave” performance?

She’s such an actor! How can I get her to cut the crap with other people?

— Disgusted Sister, North Kildonan

Dear Disgusted: Your sister is in possession of one truth you don’t grasp: Most people grow uncomfortable with someone who is sad, depressed and complaining all the time. She’s putting on a brave face so people will continue to want to communicate with her. Since she can’t pull off that act with you, the only choice when you speak to each other is to trade complaints.

Look, don’t say goodbye to her or do anything rash — this is your sister, after all, and COVID’s effects should ease in time. But you should stop raining on her parade.

Also, talk to your doctor about the depression you’re feeling with long COVID, and learn what’s available to help alleviate that for you.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6.

Maureen Scurfield
Advice columnist

Maureen Scurfield writes the Miss Lonelyhearts advice column.

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Miss Lonelyhearts
Advice Columnist

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