Ask Amy: Women gone gray can be silver ‘vixens’
Dear Amy: My husband and I believe that we have lost a friend of 30-plus years because of differing opinions about safety in this pandemic.
We had been invited to a surprise birthday party for “Barb” at a local restaurant, and before sending my RSVP, I checked with the venue to see how many people might be there, and whether it would be inside or outside. Answer: "50 people, inside.”
Nope, not me. We are both over 73 and I have multiple health issues. I need to know that there is an effective vaccine, or at least be assured that the medical community has learned much more about treating the illness successfully. We have not eaten inside a restaurant since mid-March.
To double-check, I asked Barb’s sister, who was organizing the surprise party, and if there is any chance that they might switch to an outdoor venue. Barb has her own health issues, and I wondered if a crowded indoor party would be her preference.
A week after the party, I heard from another friend that Barb was not speaking to me anymore. Barb texted me one word: “Goodbye.”
I’m not sure what comes next. Any ideas?
— Befuddled
Dear Befuddled: I sincerely hope that “Barb” didn’t send her cryptic text because she became ill with this disease that has taken so many lives.
As of this writing, a “spreader event” – a wedding in Maine – has infected 147 people with COVID. Three people have died. This wedding was held indoors, with 65 guests.
You made the right choice.
You should respond to Barb: “Your message is very cryptic. Why are you saying ‘Goodbye?’”
Dear Amy: “Blindsided” wrote about her relationship with a (retired) gentleman who always made her travel several hours to visit him, even though he was retired, and she was still working.
I hope she runs, Amy. Thank you for telling her that she deserves better.
— Been There
Dear Been There: When she really believes in her own worth, “Blindsided” will exit.
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(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)
