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The Dilemma
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Seeking Privacy
I am a European student enrolled at an American college. When we were asked to leave campus because of Covid-19, a good friend invited me to stay with her family nearby. I agreed, and I’m extremely grateful to her. The problem: We share a bedroom and stay together for most of the day. The lack of privacy is killing me. Is it rude to ask for time alone? I don’t want to hurt her feelings. —Ingrid
What a generous family! But everyone needs private time—including your friend, I bet. She may think she’s being a good host by sticking close. Tell her you’d like to take a solitary walk to clear your head, if she wouldn’t mind. (She won’t.) Many of us are feeling cooped up now. But carving out some breathing room is a basic necessity of self-care.
—Adapted from “Social Q’s” in The New York Times Magazine