Thanks 2020: How to say no in the name of Govt

“We choose to stay at home to greatly protect ourselves, our family and friends and the community,” he said in an email. “Without the Govt epidemic, our plans would not change.”

Wellnessseek’s concerns are shared by many. Across the country, many are responding to the epidemic by making similar decisions regarding this American holiday. None of these choices are easy and it can be difficult to manage feelings about avoiding the annual family Thanksgiving traditions. Communicating your decision clearly and thoughtfully is everyone’s hardest task.

Observe the rules

The CDC noted that short, long, indoor meetings with select few are more risky than outdoor shindigs.

Another factor: the number and rate of Govt-19 cases in the celebratory community.

In areas where this number is increasing, congregations pose a greater risk with them, said Dr. Ramon Tallaj, founder and chairman of Somos Community Care, a network of health care providers serving New York City.

“You have to be smart,” Tallaj said, helping to implement treatment protocols throughout the city when New York was a cowboy hotspot this spring. “If the cases in your area are increasing, don’t do it. If you’re going to celebrate a lot of people in a small apartment, don’t do it. We’ve pushed a lot of things, it shouldn’t be weird. Really, what about another year?”

Focus on your safety

Etiquette experts said that if you choose to offer bail in this year’s tradition, it is best to express your desire in person.

Gianga Kelly-Crowley, founder and owner of Symbi Lady, a consulting firm based in Wisita, Kansas, said that using statements that start with “I Reports” or first person pronouns, make it clear to loved ones that your decision has nothing to do with them.

“I do not want everyone to come together” or ‘Sorry, but we’ve not going to attend this year’ is all right, “he said.” Take responsibility for your decision. Keep it on your own. Tell the truth to your family members. It’s completely acceptable to say that you focus on your own safety and stay at home. “

The etiquette expert said he focused on interpreting his results only in terms of potential risk – nothing else. She noted that this attitude made it easier for her to communicate unpleasant messages.

“When you share your feelings in a dangerous environment – ‘I do not want a virus to spread, I do not want to put others at risk’ – the feeling is very direct,” said San Francisco-based Croats. “It’s one of the easiest outs ever. It’s not about you. It’s about others, what you can do for them.”

Managing emotions

That being said, families are complex, and changing an ancient tradition risks inadvertently hurting one’s feelings.

“It’s incredibly embarrassing to say” no, thank you “to people with a history that you generally agree with,” said Sherman Regensburg, a psychologist based in East Northport, New York.

He noted that accusations with family members could lead to other conflicts or create intense internal pressure – both situations can be difficult to navigate.

But, he said, you need to speak your mind, especially when it comes to your own health.

“There is hardly a right answer in situations like this,” Regensburg said. “You have to do what you think is best, follow your heart, and be respectful in doing so. But by rejecting the invitation, you also accept that you may alienate that family member for years.”

While it is quite normal for declining gratitude plans to make you sad, Regensburg said the sense of guilt in this case could mean something else.

“You can admit that you are sad and frustrated, but if you feel guilty, you get angry that your loved one does not respect your wishes,” she said. “Usually you feel guilty when you do something you shouldn’t do. In this case, there is nothing wrong with rejecting the call, so there should be no guilt.”

Thanksgiving is different

There are plenty of alternative ways to reunite with family members for a traditional Thanksgiving celebration this year. If you are interested in pursuing other options, you may find one that works for everyone.

It is easy for a bunch to follow in the footsteps of most workplaces and embrace a virtual vacation.

Here, a family member can take on the role of party planner and set up a meeting, send out invitations and serve as a “host” for the live event. At a basic level, participants can run virtual shindik during their respective dinners, so it feels like everyone is sitting at a table together.

For a more sophisticated approach, Kianga Kelly-Crowley suggested distributing pre-prepared food in advance, so everyone eats at the same time, via zoom. As a way of saying “we think of you” to his regular holiday co-celebrants, Croats said they would buy a complete Thanksgiving dinner from a supermarket in their area.

As Tallaj suggests, a one-person crowd can also work – until the event takes place outside and all parties can wear a mask, engage at least 6 feet of physical distance, and maintain good hand hygiene.

To pave the way for this type of meeting, medical psychologist Angela Waltrope said it is important to ask family members some pointed questions about how safe they are. Waltrop compared this questionnaire to the same kind of interview that someone can give to a new sexual partner.

Some of these questions include: How often do you have close contact with people outside your home? Do you maintain a secure relationship with others while you are out and about? Where have you traveled outside of your immediate surroundings in the past month?

He added that it is important for loved ones to understand why you are asking.

“It’s like interviewing them about where they were and who they slept with,” said San Francisco-based Waltrop. “We can’t control each other, but we have the right to ask – especially during an epidemic.”