Big Question: A Close Friend Wants To Drop By For A Visit, How Do I Set Boundaries So That Health And Safety Are Not Compromised?

Trying to determine if a friend or family member can safely visit is dependent on two vital things: honest communication and mutual trust.

Because your family's health and safety are at stake, you have to be direct in asking potential visitors about their consistent adherence to the protocols recommended by the Center for Disease Control; i.e., wearing a mask, frequent hand washing, and social distancing.

And even though it may be awkward, you have to be willing to say that you are uncomfortable with them visiting if their answers indicate a potential exposure or increased risk of coronavirus infection.

This can be especially challenging when very young children are involved because their ability to consistently stay at least six feet apart from others is often at odds with their impulse control. Decisions about children visiting will have to be made on a case by case basis.

During the summer months, when more people are venturing outside and even traveling between states, sometimes by air, these questions and your trust in the answers become even more critical.

Whenever the question comes up with my family or friends, I always begin my answer with "I hope that you'll understand … I am very concerned about staying safe and therefore, can only visit if it is outside, and we all agree to wear masks and safely distance ourselves".

Fortunately, the people in my immediate circle agree with this approach, so it hasn't caused any hard feelings.

As burdensome as it is, we must act as if we are all infected with the coronavirus; ironically, it is the only way to avoid becoming infected.

Stay strong and stay safe.