Discussion Question
How sick do you need to be before you accept someone’s offer to pick up soup and juice for you?
I actually really like bringing people things when they’re sick, because it makes me feel like a good and helpful friend, but then when people ask if I need anything, I’m always hesitant. It seems to imply a level of illness that I’m not sure I’ve really achieved. So question time: How sick is too sick to go to the grocery store? Answers after the jump, and please add yours.
Elizabeth: I’d say bad fever, or flu.
Nancy: Depends on the degree of friendship, I’d say. And, obviously, how bad you really need it — I mean, don’t be like, ‘You know, I’m feeling like I could really go for some Taco Bell.’ But if you need, say, OJ and chicken soup because you’re actually in need, then I’d say the offer having been made justifies acceptance. There should probably be a formula, because you will owe this person the same favor when he/she gets sick. So if you’re comfortable owing the person a favor, go for it.
David: If i felt that driving would be an unsafe proposition then I would ask for help, because I think driving is probably the highest demand on your attention/awareness. Making your way through the store shouldn’t be a problem … also, making someone go through a checkout line with fruit Roll-Ups, cheese puffs, cold medicine, and YooHoo might strain a friendship.
Bharat: If you can’t get out of bed, then yes. Accept.
Ben: Depends I suppose. If this friend lives an hour away and it’s totally out of the way? Very sick. If this friend is nearby and it’s not an inconvenience, you can pretty much be healthy.
Erin: I guess there would be a few contingencies. Do I have my sick supplies? Is she going already? Does she live near me? I guess I wouldn’t mind, because when I offer for others I know I would do it no problem. And I wouldn’t offer if I had an issue doing it, right?
Kelly (me): I still don’t quite know the answer to this question, but I feel like if you are sick enough that mobility is an issue then you can legitimately accept. The other problem is that a lot of the things I want when I’m sick are somewhat unorthodox and it’s kind of embarrassing to ask someone to bring you Sour Punch Straws. Verdict: I’m getting dressed in non-pink velour pants and going to to the store.
