Dear Barb:
I don’t know if you can help me, but here goes. I have a friend that I’ve known for many years. We have kept in touch throughout the pandemic and have recently begun seeing each other again. She keeps talking about when the borders are open she wants me to go to her sister’s place in New York to stay for a few days and go shopping and stuff like that. I am really not interested in going to the states or shopping, I don’t need anything, but I don’t know how to tell her without hurting her feelings or making her think I don’t want to spend time with her, because I do. Do you have any suggestions on how I could handle this situation without causing a rift between us? Looking forward to your response, Susan.
Hi Susan:
You seem like a very caring person who definitely does not want to hurt a friend’s feelings. My advice is to be honest. Tell her that at this time you are not interested in going to the states shopping but suggest you have lunch together. You could even offer to treat her. This will avoid her feeling you don’t want to spend time with her, and since things are finally opening up, I’m sure she would appreciate getting out with a friend. Great question.
Dear Barb:
Hi, throughout the pandemic I have basically sat in the house and got fat! I have gained 20 pounds over the last year, and since I haven’t seen anyone and my zoom visits are limited to head shots no one has noticed. Now that things are opening up, I need to do something to get rid of this weight real quick. Do you have any advice on how I can drop this weight? Jessica
Hey Jessica:
There are no magical ways to lose weight, it requires time and commitment. I am sure you are not alone; many people have gained weight through the several lockdowns, which hopefully are coming to an end. Once you start living your life again and joining in outdoor activities and generally become more active, you should notice the weight begin to come off. Also if you belonged to a gym prior to the pandemic, since they have been closed more than open throughout the last 15 months, you have not been able to stay in shape. I assume you were working from home and it is simply too easy to pop into the kitchen for a snack, or some comfort food while working through those proposals or financial statements. Start to get in shape today by organizing a schedule which includes walking 30 or 40 minutes a day. Refuse that sugary snack, instead chop up some veggies that will always be available, add some low calorie dip to add flavor. These few changes will start you on your journey back to a healthy lifestyle. Best of luck Jessica.