How should I go about talking to loved ones (especially older family members) about social distancing who seem to not be taking it seriously? I want them to understand the importance of social distancing while also being sensitive to their concerns. I think they understand that social distancing means avoiding public spaces but what’s missing is that it also means not going to visit a friend/invite people over.
Thank you for your post. I appreciate that you are willing to share this with us. I understand that you are concerned for the well-being of others, and it seems you want your family members to understand it's importance. It's imaginable that others are going through this as well. However, many people react differently to situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to try to understand that other people might be more or less worried and concerned than we are. Know this, though, can be stressful.
To begin, you can provide accurate and up-to-date information about COVID-19 on Health Canada's website or from the World Health Organization. Having this reliable information might be a start to discussing this with your family members, especially in regards to social distancing.
To begin, you can provide accurate and up-to-date information about COVID-19 on Health Canada's website or from the World Health Organization. Having this reliable information might be a start to discussing this with your family members, especially in regards to social distancing.
Next, try approaching and listening to individuals who are either too concerned/not very concerned. Perhaps their reactions might be one of their own ways of coping with the pandemic.
It's important that we always check-in with ourselves to see whether another person's concern is causing us stress, anxiety, or some form of distress. If so, try maintaining a balance with these individuals in order to ensure you're coping well.
Yeah I was struggling with a similar dilemma, I'm glad to hear I'm not alone in not wanting to sound like a nag but also trying to contribute to the necessary communal empathy we all need to curate