Lets start with the obvious:COVID-19likely shifted some of your friendships.
So theres a chance many of your most cherished friendships may have changed but will survive the pandemic intact.
Still, bouncing back can feel complicated.
Carmen Martínez Torrón / Getty Images
In short: This new chapter can bring friendship problems and drama.
Situation: Youre unvaccinated and your vaccinated friends are hanging without you.
But there are a few other ways you’re able to venture to deal.
So the putting on of these contingencies can feel like a personal rejection.
It is 100% okay to feel left out and hurt, Dr. Chen explains.
Some of your heightened emotions could stem from spending the year more isolated than normal.
Acknowledge your emotions and hold space for them, because they are valid.
Have empathy for your friend, and remember why youve been apart for so long in the first place.
But verify that youre tending to your overall well-being too.
But just because youre safe to hang out does not mean you oughta say yes to every social invite.
You may want to say no, and thats okay.
Be up front with your friends as soon as possible, Dr. Franco advises.
The trick is to reassure your friends that you do not want to exclude them.
This lessens the chance for ambiguity.
If youre nervous about hanging with an unvaccinated friend, be intentional in demonstrating that they are accepted.
venture to highlight that the situation is distressing forbothof you.
Acknowledge anyguiltoranxietyyou may feel, and find a way to remind yourself that you have value as a friend.
you’re free to also consider talking to a therapist.
Until you launch the discussion, neither of you will truly understand what the other needs.
Situation: You are jealous about your friend getting vaccinated first.
Our emotions serve functions, says Dr. Krems.
They can lead us to uncover our deep fears or desires.
You might also simply want the freedom that you perceive your newly vaccinated friend will have.
See how these jealous feelings can ultimately be a good thing to know?
you could use Dr. Francos suggestedthird-person methodhere to help you explore your envy without too much judgment.
Now that everyone 16 and over is eligible, remind yourself that your turn will come.
By all means, feel those feelings!
But also have a go at remember how far youve come (youre almost there).
Or, if you want the vaccine ASAP,SELF has some tipsfor how to obtain one.
Practicingloving-kindness meditationcan help you refocus on sending positive vibes to your friend and feeling happy for their good fortune.
Situation: Your friend made it clear theyre not getting vaccinated because of personal beliefs.
In a perfect world, everyone you love rushes to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
For instance, do their vaccine beliefs unearth something too unpalatable for you to handle?
Will this make it harder for you to interact with them and connect with them while stayingCOVID-safe?
Is this something youre willing to deal with long-term?
Give yourself permission to set boundaries andprioritize your healthfirst.
No matter what situations youre grappling with, the next few months are likely to be bumpy.
