Forgive me for I have sinned.

Six of us recently had dinner at a nice restaurant. Several weeks later, my spouse was talking to one of her friends who indicated that one of our party that evening, had not had any COVID protection. His wife confided this fact to our source. I was disappointed in him for not owning up to his not having taken protection.

Fast forward to today when I got an email from the anti-vaxer that he has finished a five year project, building a magnificent clock of his own design. This meant a slightly veiled invitation to come see it! What to do? He hasn’t had his shots, and I have. I can’t tell him I know he is an anti-vaxer, or he’ll know his wife blabbed. How to handle it, gracefully?

I emailed him and told him that my shots were up to date, but I was recently in contact with someone who later came down with COVID. And I need to find out a/ if it is COVID or a variant, and b/ if it is a variant, am I protected, and c/ am I likely to contract whatever this person has. I can now stall for however long I like, and hopefully get to see the clock when (and if) COVID is behind us.

Does this count as a cardinal sin, or a little white lie?

I hope I don’t piss off any anti-vaxers who might discover this thread. But my attitude is that, the vast majority who have admitted that COVID is a real threat are finding that things are gradually opening up for them, but are gradually closing down for those who believe it is all a hoax. And that inoculations haven’t been proven. My health is more important to me than ingratiating him by going and seeing his clock! One penalty I am glad to see him suffer for his stubbornness! Even WITH a mask, I won’t be going!

I don't blame you at all.

Save the life of an anti-vaxer at the expense of someone dying from, say, cancer because they can’t get the help they need!

One guy I know was a rabid anti-vaxer. He came down with covid AND pneumonia, simultaneously! I hadn’t seen him for a year, until two weeks ago. He had been in intensive care for 16 days because of his illness! Brother, how he has smartened up!

You don't owe anyone anything Doug.

Your health, and that of your wife is paramount, so doing the right thing is how you'll both stay safe.

You're almost in the same age bracket as myself and possibly have contributing factors that may put you at greater risk (in my case, cancer).

My view is that people can get choose to vaccinate or not, but if they are not vaccinated they're on my shit list and I won't associate with them.
(My only exceptions are those that have medical grounds, I would still maintain the acquaintance, but would not come into close contact).

I wouldn't bother with little white lies etc, I'd just ignore any further advances and cross him off your Christmas Card list.

As punishment you should buy yourself a nice Sinn. You deserve it 😀