SORT MISMATCHED EXPECTATIONS

Some are excited about lockdown lifting, others are cautious. Here’s what to do if you have differing views

You may be excited at the idea of G&Ts in the sun with as many mates as you can cram on your patio come July, but your partner or kids may not feel the same. The words “stay home, say safe” have embedded themselves into many people’s psychology, so you may have very different ideas about how you intend to get back to normal. This mismatch may infuriate you, but rather than insisting your way is right, work together on a plan. If you and your family members aren’t chomping at the bit to light the barbecue, it’s because you have spent a year thinking that a trip to the supermarket may kill someone. In your mind you are trying to protect yourselves and those you love. Sit down together and figure out how everyone is feeling about approaching social freedoms to make a plan that eases you in. Exposure is everything where fear is concerned, so once allowed, have your sister round for a cuppa in the garden, or share a bottle of wine watching the sunset with your best friend. If your partner has booked a week in Mallorca for you both, don’t freak out, show compassion; they did this because they love you and are excited to get back to normal. Check the cancellation policy but, for now, dream of the positives, plan a few day trips, then work towards a weekend away to build your confidence. Soon, you will be able to reclaim your freedom and spend quality time with the people who make your life worth living. That’s a huge reward.