Your roommate has invited over someone who isn’t fully vaccinated
Q: Your roommate has invited someone to your place who has received the first dose of a two-dose coronavirus vaccine. You’re uncomfortable because the friend isn’t fully vaccinated. How should you handle the situation?
A: The pandemic has lasted over a year now. The extensive time has worn people down. But the assertive rollout of vaccines across the country suggests we will soon be able to more safely gather with our family and friends.
It can be challenging to balance the wish to see other people with recommendations that only fully vaccinated adults should gather in enclosed spaces. It can also be challenging to balance our wish to follow guidelines when other people in our life don’t feel the same way.
The important thing to remember is to use a respectful tone to keep dialogue open. Keeping the dialogue respectful will enable you to present your perspective and hear your roommate’s perspective and to arrive at a compromise. Perhaps your roommate would be willing to meet the friend for walks until the friend is fully vaccinated. Or perhaps you can take a walk or visit other vaccinated friends or family members while your roommate has the friend over. Compromises are easier to arrive at when dialogue is open and emotions are kept in check.