Vaccinated friends bug you about receiving shot
Q: Some friends in your circle have received the coronavirus vaccine and constantly bug you about when you will receive it, implying you’re not trying hard enough to game the system. What should you say?
A: We can start by simply communicating our enthusiasm, so they don’t worry that we’re not taking it seriously: “I am so glad that you’ve received it, and I am definitely looking forward to my turn!”
If we start to feel more pressure from them, we can share our reasons: “I so appreciate your positive intention. I’m so glad you got yours, and I’ll be thrilled when I get mine, but I figure I can do another month or so to give as many vulnerable people as possible the chance to get theirs before me.”
The most important thing is to end with a question or invitation that opens the door for more connection, such as, “In the meantime, before I can be in groups, when can you and I meet up for a walk?”
— Shasta Nelson, friendship expert, speaker and author of “Frientimacy: How to Deepen
Friendships for Lifelong Health and Happiness”
A: This is a health issue, so actually it’s nobody’s business. However, many people do feel pressured about getting vaccinated.
A response that could help ease their anxiety would be, “I’m working on it.” If friends pry further and offer suggestions of where to get an appointment, a clear thank you will also end the conversation.