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I’d like some advice about helping my distressed friend.

(104 Posts)
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Elizabeth1 Fri 25-Sept-20 17:28:14

Plan for a visit after Christmas if it suits the guidelines and help her to arrange a family visit if possible once Christmas has come and gone. It’ll give her something to look forward to once the festivities are over and done with. She may enjoy a day with you or a family member in a nice hotel without the hype of Christmas flowers whatever you’re able to suggest to your friend she’ll be very lucky not everyone has such a lovely caring friend like you.

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lemongrove Fri 25-Sept-20 17:15:52

I agree with NotTooOld and think that unless things change, planning a nice day on her own is the best way to go.
Buy her a nice present to open on the day ( even if you don’t buy one normally) and phone her on the day too, in the morning.Visit her before or after, when you can do.

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NotTooOld Fri 25-Sept-20 17:09:10

Tell her she won't be the only one, aonk. My guess is that there will be lots of lonely people this Christmas. At least she has you as a good friend, some people have no-one at all. Not sure about the hotel. There would be other people but social distancing would apply and in the end it may be more pleasant for her to stay at home.

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aonk Fri 25-Sept-20 17:04:41

I would like to offer help to a close friend. She’s in her early 70s, very active and has always lived alone. She copes very well indeed but has always been able to spend Christmas with relatives. She has phoned me in tears because it looks like she could be alone this year. If the rule of 6 is still in force she won’t be able to visit the relatives. There are already 6 people in their household. I can’t invite her to my house for the same reason. We will spend the 2 days with one or other of our AC and will be 6 in total. Of course I will invite her or visit her at other times during the holiday period. I’d like to have some suggestions for her when we next meet up. She could afford a few days in a hotel if that would be possible. I don’t think she would be comfortable doing voluntary work during the festive season. Does anyone have any thoughts on how I could best help her? She’s very depressed about this.

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