I'm 76, live alone, my daughter & family live out-of-state, my friend base has dwindled considerably over the past 5 yrs as friends have moved away. I have several chronic health issues and self-isolated myself 7 days ago as a precautionary measure.
Yesterday, my neighbor/friend of over 40 yrs called at 8 am. She & hubby are in their 80's and I knew adult son who lives with them was on his way back from Wyoming. She asked if I could drive her to grocery to pick up her car...suppose she'd gone for sr. early shopping, but no clue why car was there or how she got home.
When I called her back to say I was dressed and ready, I said but I have a favor. Before I could say more, she said do you want me to wear a mask? No, I'll be wearing a mask but will you please sit in the backseat? Her response: "No, I won't and can't believe you'd ask me to do that. I'll not have you drive me and hung up the phone".
She has nieces who live here and later on my way to mailbox noted her car was in her driveway. I refused to let the incident ruin my day but was floored at her angry response. Guess this is one of times when "no good deed goes unpunished".
The neighbor's daughter and gs from Wyoming had flown down for a several day visit and decided it better for neighbor's adult son to drive them back. During visit, there were many in and out of house. I was willing to help but felt I had every right to take personal precautions.
Just writing to vent, I suppose, but also to caution others that during times of great uncertainty like this, don't be too surprised if others you know react differently than what one would expect.
We can and will get through this as a nation but using caution, not panic; courtesy and compassion rather than fear produced anger will make it easier and faster for that to occur. Best to all. Take good care.