Mini-Ep 116: Period Piece

COVID-19 Friendships

Navigating friendships during COVID-19 has become a complex issue, especially when friends disregard safety guidelines. Doree Shafrir shares a listener's frustration with a friend who ignores precautions, traveling and socializing freely, which feels selfish to those adhering to guidelines 1. The advice given is to communicate openly with such friends, understanding their choices while setting personal boundaries.

It's uncomfortable when we feel resentful and angry at our friends, at people we care about and people that we trust and want to assume the best about.

--- Doree Shafrir

This conversation highlights the importance of protecting others, not just oneself, during the pandemic.

   

Systemic Racism

Discussing systemic racism with loved ones can be challenging, especially when they seem complicit or uninformed. Kate Spencer and Doree Shafrir address a listener's concerns about partners or family members who don't engage with anti-racism efforts 2. They suggest that part of maintaining these relationships involves repeatedly addressing complicity and encouraging education.

If we are staying in those relationships, that is part of our relationship with people now, it's not ignoring or giving a pass to complicity.

--- Doree Shafrir

Being an ally involves clear communication about expectations and actions, such as attending protests or speaking up against racist remarks 3.