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My vote is to go see your parents. My kids think we’re old and fragile because we both turned 60 this year. I have no comorbidities and neither does my husband, though I think we could both stand to lose 5-10 pounds. Our kids might mean well, but their overly concerned stance is unwarranted, in my opinion.

Our daughter suggested that all of us get tested for CoVid a week ago, and then quarantine after testing so to protect everyone. Mind you, I have no symptoms, take prophylaxis every day to protect myself as best as I can. I only go to the grocery store every 3-5 days to get new fresh produce. I am doing way more shopping online for other goods, so I’m staying out of the usual retail stores I would visit during Christmas. I don’t linger in stores. Usually I’m inside for 10-15 minutes, and occasionally up to 45 minutes.

So I don’t think I’m at much risk. I live in a small midwestern town with 10,000 people. The town next to us is maybe 3x that many people, but I don’t go there often.

I don’t care if my daughter wants to get a test before she comes, but her insistence that we get CoVid tests and then quarantine when we are perfectly healthy is off-putting to me. It tells me that CoVid will be a nearly constant topic of discussion during her visit. Her insistence has made us very uncomfortable.

How many times do guests come to visit, but they make the rules for the visit? I love my daughter, but I can’t play that game. We told her that maybe it would be better to wait until next year when hopefully this nonsense won’t be first and foremost on everyone’s mind.

FWIW, we recently saw my 92 year old MIL for Thanksgiving. My husband acquiesced on getting a test before we went because he had been traveling the week before, and well, his mom is 92. She lives by herself and is so lonely on the days when her caregiver doesn’t come, which is 3 days a week. We had a beautiful, wonderful visit! If my husband didn’t have to get back to work on Monday, we would’ve stayed longer.

Go see your parents. I am heartbroken that my daughter is trying to protect me to the nth degree. At some point, you just have to live your life. I am living mine. I guess she is living hers too.

I’m ready to go back to the old normal. No masks. If you’re sick, stay home. Wash your hands. Cough or sneeze into your shoulder or elbow. Don’t touch your face. Handshakes are fine, and so are hugs and smiles! That’s what I want. Old normal.