Lincslass
I know exactly what he means. I cowered from Covid during the first year, wouldn’t go out, except into my garden, shopping online, paranoid about touching anything outside, reports re virus living on dustbins etc, washing my shopping down on advice from an equally cautious friend. Now my paranoia, because that is what it was, has greatly diminished over the last 6 months, after observing my scientific, and the rest of my much more balanced family. My friend still won’t go to restaurants, or out shopping, I say what is the point of a vaccine if fear of Covid keeps you locked away. I realise there are many people who are extremely vulnerable and remain cautious with good reason. I have asthma, but I go out, hands, face, space, still my mantra.
Your friend doesn't need to go to restaurants or out shopping. If she's happier not doing so, that's up to her. I really dislike shopping and, until recently, hadn't been able to afford to eat out for years. I never felt "locked away". I've never "cowered" or been paranoid. Please don't judge others by what you consider to be essential.
I have some sympathy for the people who want to go out, but are uncomfortable about it because they have underlying health problems and it seems some aren't that bothered about the safety of others. Unfortunately, there are people who don't have a mantra of "hands, face and space".