Are we allowed to be optimistic yet? *Title edited by GNHQ*

Quick addition - I have no idea why people in England are confused about shielding, the current advice is to shield until AT LEAST the end of March with further advice coming during March to update the situation! NOBODY in government has said that it is safe to stop shielding at the end of March! Seriously, some people will use any manufactured excuse to have a go at the government, when it is themselves who have not properly read the advice.

My optimism extends to being able to sit in my garden with a few members of my family or my friends at a safe distance during the summer. I will be happy to continue to wear a mask if I am indoors in a public place and keep my distance elsewhere. I’ve always been an adherent of the hand washing routine.
I will continue to do my best not to catch or to spread covid, influenza or even the common cold.
If that’s my future and it keeps my family safe then so be it.

I will never be optimistic again. The virus might subside, but the fear will be with us for ever.

Fear has driven our response to the virus and it will continue to blight our lives. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine against fear.

Both vaccines are effective. My DH and I both had the Pfizer one because that it what our surgery was giving. I have friends who have had the AZ one and they weren’t worried about anything. There is too much negative hype on the internet, I believe the scientists, they are the ones who know and anyway they wouldn’t use a vaccine that was not effective, there’s no point is there?

I feel sad for you GrannyRose15, I’d hate to think I’d never be optimistic again. I do think the world will change as a result of this, but I feel optimistic because in many ways I think it will change for the better.

We are always allowed to be optimistic, no-one can stop that.

IMO all through the lockdown people have been far too despondent, which only made things harder for themselves.

The vaccines seem to be working fine, more people are vaccinated every day, and spring is coming.

So, yes, be optimistic!

Casdon

I feel sad for you GrannyRose15, I’d hate to think I’d never be optimistic again. I do think the world will change as a result of this, but I feel optimistic because in many ways I think it will change for the better.

I know what you could do. Every so often you could let me know of a reason to be cheerful.
You may be right about things changing for the better but, as I've said, I don't have a lot of hope. Feeling very down at the moment. All this has gone on for such a long time.

As a starting point I’m optimistic for this weekend because according to the weather forecast the sun is going to shine, and for a few days together. At least then we can be outside, which always makes me feel better, particularly when spring is coming and there’s the promise of more to come.

I don't where you are but is raining here at the moment.

I'll let you know when I see the first daffodils.

It’s raining here too, it has been for ever it seems - I’m in Wales. They are promising a good weekend for the UK as a whole though, fingers crossed.

All positive for me. I'm going on a mini shopping 'spree' tomorrow and then I'm having my second jab next week. Decidedly excited and grateful. First time I recollect being glad to be so old! Next big deal is lunch outing reserved for the 26th. Can't wait. Yes progress is certainly in sight for me. It's been a long year.

Very optimistic over here. We’ve all had our vaccine. Even my adult children. Of course it’s not going away but we’ll learn to live with it. Life is too short to live in fear. ?

Polarbear2

Very optimistic over here. We’ve all had our vaccine. Even my adult children. Of course it’s not going away but we’ll learn to live with it. Life is too short to live in fear. ?

Yes, I agree. I was terrified at first, last year, but not any longer, because I’ve had the virus and I’ve had the vaccine, Pfizer in my case. I’m looking forward to the next one, due in early May.