Scared to fly? Just go on a road trip

DOM SAYS:

What an interesting letter to receive. We are definitely living in strange times, aren’t we? the virus has upended all of our lives and affected so many people — and, sadly, it’s not over yet.

I think we are all worried about a resurgence, which means that making plans is hard.

So I don’t think you’re being at all unreasonable by worrying about this.

as you say, your husband is clearly more happy-go-lucky than you, and that’s absolutely fine, too. Many couples are going through something similar, when one is more relaxed than the other about venturing out.

Personally, I’m not quite ready to go back to the pub yet but, happily, Steph and I are pretty much on the same page.

I went out to a restaurant for the first time recently, which I found to be perfectly acceptable. But the worry is still there — and I think will still be there for a very long time.

all I can say is, what a shame your husband didn’t make this easy for you and say: ‘Stuff the holiday this year!’ I really do wish that he had done — and I’m sure you do, too.

Now, I understand he would be fed up with having paid for his holiday and then not getting it. has he looked into a refund?

I also understand he desperately wants to go away. I would love to be heading to a beach for two weeks of rest and relaxation after all the stress of lockdown. I’ve spent four and a half months doing nothing and I’m utterly exhausted!

But I also do understand your concerns, too. So, what I’d suggest you do is talk to your husband and figure out which parts of the holiday you’re most worried about and try to work around it. the thing is, the whole world is still taking the pandemic very seriously, so it’s not as if there won’t be social distancing when you’re away.

Of course, it depends on the kind of holiday you like to have, but, if it were me, that’s lying by the pool (outdoors), interspersed with trips to the pool bar (again, outdoors). Maybe find out what the hotel’s arrangements are for spacing out sunloungers and the like. I can understand you don’t want to lie there in a mask.

If it’s the flight you’re worried about, then do some research with the airline. If you’re still not comfortable, why not suggest you turn it into a romantic road trip and drive, instead?

What this comes down to is how much risk you and your husband are prepared to take. But, of course, when you live together, the risks taken by one are also taken by the other.