Go safety, choose safety.

(what is the name for that hairstyle everyone seems to have these days where like 3/4 of your head is buzzed super-short and then there's a longer floppy bit on one side? that)

Side shave, generally.

Laura, being the adult in this situation means not participating in their unsafe event. Why not set up an alternate, virtual event for all their sensible friends and family? (On another day, I mean.)

I had thought that my hair had gone completely white but, since I stopped coloring it, it's a mixture of white, grey and the original dark brown. I'm thinking of putting in some streaks of blue, pink or something. The only problem is that they'd take FOREVER to grow out. sigh … decisions, decisions

I know that a lot of people like Overtone, since it fades once you stop using it. However, it smells VERY strongly of spearmint. I wanted to use it, but I couldn’t stand the smell.

I just honestly can't be bothered when I'm not going to see anyone in person who's not my immediate family or some rando at the grocery store.

Same. The reason why my hair hasn’t been cut or relaxed since January. It also tells me that my hair is just not going to grow past about shoulder length.

Laura, I feel your pain. One of my besties is having a wedding in a few weeks and I'm in the bridal party. Groom's family has had two (non-covid) family deaths in the past three months, so I think that they are desperate for a happy event. Problem is that they "don't think COVID is a big deal." They want to do a rehearsal dinner and a brunch the day after the wedding (the day of, we are going to a park outside for cupcakes and champagne. In November). Bride is high risk, but is not pushing back.

I told her last night that I'm going to the church and the park, but any event inside is a no go for me. Any outside event that is not social distanced is also a no go, which includes any kind of event where people are close together with those outside of their bubble/family.

Luckily, they are not great at organizing and they waited until the last minute, so it is unlikely that they will get their shit together to execute either/both events.

I have read enough stories about weddings/birthday parties/etc. being superspreader events to make me give a serious side-eye to anyone planning one of those right now. I know it sucks not to be able to celebrate with people you love! It really does! But you know what would suck so much more? Someone you love DYING (or even just suffering from a lingering and poorly understood disease!) because you decided to go ahead and throw a party anyway.

Ugh, I get so mad about this.

I don't understand people.

the stupid thing is that they have already postponed the reception to next year. Theyve been together for 14 years, living together for at least 6 of those years. There is no need to have this ceremony. This is a combination of COVID denial and the need to have some happiness from the groom's mom.

I might consider going but being the official videographer and keeping at a nice distance recording the event for those who can't attend. It will be outside. I don't know. Being pissed at them isn't helping. I keep telling DH we don't have to decide for at least a week and just put it aside, but he doesn't know how to do that.

Ugh, Vortex. I'm sorry they are putting you in that position.

With a bunch of non-mask-wearing people. DIL's parents post pictures every single week going out to live music events at bars with bunches of non-mask wearing partiers. If I say I don't want to go because I'd rather not get sick and die they will still think it is because of the spat, which is also true.

Who cares if *both* are true. This is how COVID is spiking even higher again.

My family is the freaking cover story about how to pretend there's not a problem. I'm shocked no one has ended up on a ventilator or died.

Well my great-aunt just died and I didn't ask why because she was 99 and a hugely bitter person for far longer than I knew her so while I don't think elderly people have less to live for, I kinda hope Teta finally found some peace wherever she is. Or quiet.

So no way am I going to Thanksgiving. Christmas is going to be a harder sell but I'll burn that bridge in December.