Friends scarce after possible exposure
DEAR ABBY: My husband came down with COVID and has been having a hard time getting over it. When he started showing the symptoms, I took him to a drivethrough medical clinic and got him tested. The results were negative, so a couple of days later, I carpooled with a friend to another friend’s house where seven other friends had gathered. Several days later, when my husband still wasn’t improving, I took him to an ER where they did another COVID test. This time it came out positive.
I thought I owed it to whomever I was around at the get-together to tell them about my husband. At this get-together, we all wore masks. We took them off only to eat and then put them back on. It has been more than 14 days since my husband got sick, and although he is not yet over the virus, I haven’t come down with it.
I thought my friends would be supportive. However, I learned from one of these “friends” of more than 20 years that they formed a private Facebook group to discuss how each one has been doing on a daily basis, and I was not invited to participate. I feel betrayed. At this point, I don’t think I can ever look at any of them the same way. I have been contemplating ending my friendship with them. — Kicked When Down in Oklahoma
DEAR KICKED: I think you should ask the friend who told you about the private Facebook group whether any of the women got sick after that get-together. If the answer is yes, make an appointment and have yourself Covid-tested — twice, if necessary — to ensure that you are not a symptomless carrier. If it turns out that you are positive, tell your friends.
If you test negative, your first priority should be to help your husband get well and protect yourself from getting the virus. As to whether you should end your relationship with these “distanced” friends, from the way they are behaving, it appears they may have ended their relationship with you, and for that you have my sympathy.
DEAR ABBY: I recently had my hair dyed by my brother-in-law, who is a great hairstylist.
Problem is, I didn’t get what I asked for. Now my roots are starting to show, and I’ll be needing a touchup soon. How do I go about going to another salon without hurting his feelings? — Coward in Kansas
DEAR COWARD IN KANSAS: Make the appointment and have your hair done the way you prefer. If your sisteror brother-in-law asks about it, say you know he is terrific and how busy he is and didn’t want to “impose” further.