LIFE

If a friend has not gotten their dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, focus on the bigger issue: keeping yourself and your loved ones safe from exposure.

1.) Keep the fun outside 

If your friend isn't vaccinated, meeting up outside is the safest way to gather in person. Plus, who doesn't want to get out more after quarantine robbed us of all the fall fun last year. Take a walk around the neighborhood and catch up, visit a pumpkin patch or snuggle up outside near a fall camp-fire. 

2.) Mask up during hangouts

Masking is back in style! Although none of us are nostalgic for 2020, it's starting to feel like we are back in the woods with the delta variant of COVID-19. The CDC is once again recommending indoor masking for both unvaccinated and vaccinated Americans. If you do decide to meet up in person, put on your mask and let the good times roll. Maintain a distance of three feet between the both of you and be especially cautious when eating food together. Better safe than sorry, ladies!

3.) Chat virtually

TBH, we have all sat through enough zooms to last a lifetime. Connecting virtually is a great way to maintain your friendship without risking any form of close contact, though. FaceTimes, texting—even TikTok tagging can help you stay in touch with your friend when you aren't comfortable hanging in person. 

4.) Talk this one out

So much goes into people's decisions about getting vaccinated—like their political or religious beliefs. You cannot push your ideals onto someone else, no matter how close you are to your bestie. Although they probs won't adopt your mindset towards the vaccine, they are fully capable of understanding your feelings towards COVID-19. It just takes a conversation!

"Hey, could you wear a mask? I wanna make sure I don't get exposed and spread it to my family."

"Could we hang outside today? I'm being extra cautious so I'll be able to participate in the school musical this weekend."

"Would you mind socially distancing when we eat? I feel more comfortable that way."

It'll be a tough conversation, but one you should whole-heartedly have to maintain good communication in your friendship.

***If you are vaccinated and exposed to COVID-19: the CDC recommends getting a test 3-5 days after exposure, even if you have no symptoms. Continue masking for 14 days after close-contact, unless you receive a negative COVID-19 test before the 14 days are up.

Show us how you're slowing the spread by tagging us on Instagram @girlslifemag!

Top image @happytailstribe I GIFs via GIPHY I Images from Unsplash 

by Cara Lamina | 9/30/2021