‘Super Spreader’ soiree that’s not worth the hassle

opinion

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: My husband and I love to dance and we were invited to a big Halloween party with a lot of old friends. He can’t wait to go but I think it’s going to be a COVID superspreader!

There will be a DJ and I love to dance and party and my guy loves to drink and give me a safe ride home. So apparently we’re going, and damn the consequences my husband says! That means we need costumes that are as safe as possible. What are your suggestions to make us safer?

– Fear of COVID consequences, St Boniface

love fear: You need costumes with a natural mask, like a cowgirl/cowboy duo with bandanas, or maybe full-face ghost costumes made of sheets. In the short term you can buy rubber masks everywhere, but they can get pretty hot when dancing because the mouth is just a slit in the rubber.

Medical experts advise double dressing up at social events, regardless of what outfit you’re wearing, and also sanitizing your hands frequently. Also, get out in the fresh air regularly if you want to remove your mask, but keep your distance from others when you are outdoors.

Hot Tip: Stay far away from drunks who tend to lose their inhibitions – and their protective masks, if they wear one at all!

Medical experts say COVID is everywhere right now, and a shocking number of people are still unimmunized. are yours current? If not, you really best stay home and skip this party. You might find a great scary movie that would please your husband – but good luck with that, because your “party boy” hardly seems to be leaving!

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: How would you say well-being and mood work together to overcome COVID infection? Does your physical health come back first, followed by a happier state, or would feigning happiness actually help you feel better physically? My sister and I have been discussing this since we are both dealing with the effects of COVID.

We’re so PO’d on each other! Why? Because of her wrong deed. She makes a spectacle of how brave and happy she has been these past few months. She loves people’s compliments on how “strong” she is to get through long COVID with a smile on her face. Yuck!

She is telling me – a person who has the same COVID-19 disease as she is – to get through it like she is, with the help of phone calls and good wishes and bouquets of flowers from people.

I’m just struggling through it as best I can – I’m just so sick of being at home and feeling depressed. I know I’m a sad sack compared to my sister and her fake smile. Don’t people see through this and get tired of their “I’m so brave” performance?

She is such an actress! How can I get her to mess with other people?

— Disgusted Sister, North Kildonan

Dear disgusted: Your sister is in possession of a truth you don’t understand: most people feel uncomfortable around someone who is sad, depressed, and complaining all the time. She puts on a bold face to keep people wanting to communicate with her. Since she can’t go through with this act with you, the only option when you talk to each other is to exchange grievances.

Listen, don’t say goodbye to her or do anything rash — after all, this is your sister and the effects of COVID should wear off over time. But you should stop raining on their parade.

Also, talk to your doctor about the depression you’re feeling with long COVID and what’s available to help ease it for you.

Please send your questions and comments to [email protected] or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6.