I am having difficulty at school. I'm in my first year of college and since we have gone virtual, I don't see any friends. I want to drop out, but my parents would go crazy. I can't talk to them about it.
The first two comments were very poor but it really improved.
15 minutes seemed long, but it could be easy with other partners.
Hello, what can I help you?
assistant
Question
I just need help deciding what to do.
user
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What are you contemplating for?
assistant
Question
I was doing okay in school, but when we had go virtual, I lost all my friends. I want to quit school and just go home. But my parents would not be happy.
user
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why do you think so?
assistant
Question
I don't see anyone but my roommate and she has a boyfriend. I'm so lonely!
user
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How about joining a club at school to know more people?
assistant
Others
We are in a lockdown because of COVID. So the clubs are not doing anything. I know I'm not the only one feeling this way.
user
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So you're stuck with your roommate but she doesn't care about you?
assistant
Restatement or Paraphrasing
She's just busy with her boyfriend. They go out on hikes and stuff, but they just want to go by themselves. I'm just on my own all the time.
user
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Everyone feels that, and it's totally normal. Don't be too harsh on yourself
assistant
Affirmation and Reassurance
Do you think I should quit school and start again next fall?
user
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Why don't you do something on your own? Read a book, do some crafts? I don't think you should do that. Who knows how next year's gonna look like? It might be even worse
assistant
Others,Reflection of feelings
I have. I've worked on my schoolwork, but it has been very easy. I also paint. But I need people. At home, I had all my friends around. Of course, we weren't in a pandemic then. This pandemic is making everyone feel lonely I think.
user
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How about doing video call with your friends at home?
assistant
Question
I hadn't thought about that! They are all at different schools, but maybe I can do a Zoom meeting for all of us.
user
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I totally feel you, I feel stressed out and very uncertain throughout this pandemic. You are not alone
assistant
Self-disclosure
I guess my friends may be feeling stressed too. Maybe I'll try and start a Zoom party! We could plan a time and wear pajamas and just sit and talk.
user
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Exactly, I do virtual happy hour with my friends every month
assistant
Self-disclosure
That sounds like fun! Why don't you do a virtual happy hour every week?
user
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Not only that, when you feel lonely, text your friends and share it with them or your family Oh I am too busy to do that once a week. All of us are actually
assistant
Others,Self-disclosure
I have been afraid to tell my parents how I'm feeling. I don't want them to worry about me. I want them to know I'm lonely, but not freak out about it :-)
user
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I don't think so. Maybe they are waiting for you to say first and give you advice, they have more experience after all
assistant
Affirmation and Reassurance
That's true. And I do know my mom is working from home now and she's a really social person. It's probably getting to her too.
user
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if that's the case, you can use this chance to be there for her. I think talking to your mom will help you both
assistant
Others
Yes, I'll probably call her and my dad tonight. I'll let them know I'm a bit sad and lonely, but not so much that they worry. And then I'll start planning my virtual party with my friends!
user
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Sounds like a great plan. I believe you can overcome this together
assistant
Affirmation and Reassurance
At least the party will give me something to look forward to!
user
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Yes, right now I'm trying to teach myself one day at a time mindset
assistant
Self-disclosure
That seems like a smart thing to do. None of us can really do anything to make the pandemic go away. We just have to get through it one day at a time. Thank you for helping me come up with a plan!
user
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That's the right mindset. I 'm glad I could be some help
assistant
Others
Enjoy the rest of your night!
user
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