In a time before schools returned post-coronavirus lockdown, it was a popular motif to say, 'How can pubs/pret/Primark be open and schools still shut?' And that was a valid point.
But the latest lockdown measures brought in last night in the North East, (which will see people fined up to £6,400 for meeting a friend and socialising outside their household in a public indoor place), poses another question: 'How can schools, Pret, pubs, Primark, factories all be open, and yet I can't see a friend?'
To some, this may sound a moany non-importance. And yes, the economy is important, schools being back is important and restricting the spread of coronavirus is incredibly important.
But no-one creating these new laws AGAIN seems to remember that people's mental health is also important. Or that some people are single and live alone. Or that for some people, seeing a friend is their only relief from an abusive home.
There's a feeling that we've not learned lessons from the calls of millions during the first lockdown - and that should restrictions come to a town near you, yet again, people's mental health will be shoved to the back of the priority queue.
It's important for people in so many scenarios to be able to see our friends if we feel that is necessary. The relief, understanding and comfort friends can bring is unparalleled - and under-rated by this government.
While in full lockdown, we accepted we couldn't see people. But in this weird quasi-lockdown, where parts of life are restricted and others aren't, it can seem arbitrary what is and isn't outlawed. And it can feel like those decisions are being made without thought to all members of society - not just parents and children, or high street businesses.
The relief, understanding and comfort friends can bring is unparalleled - and under-rated by this government.
The way the messaging around the new laws has been introduced as well, in a garbled way with ministers and even the Prime Minister mistaking the rules and having to later apologise on Twitter, makes it seem like even less care has been taken. That those who will be affected by a ban on socialising are last on the priority list, or not in the protected bubble of retail, restaurants and schools.
Yes, something has to give, but while you can go and sit in the pub nearby or with your boyfriend or kids that have been in 'bubbles' with hundreds of other children (or even at a school where people have been made to isolate), there will always be a question in the minds of those who live alone - what about me? What importance is the government placing on my mental health? Again?
That's not to mention women in vulnerable situations, who are now effectively locked with their partners again.
Or, yes, just those who might want to see their friends for a million reasons, including their mental wellbeing.
Previously in the North East local lockdown, which started on September 18, people in Newcastle, Northumberland, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland and County Durham couldn't socialise with other people outside their household in private homes and gardens.
The new laws mean it's now illegal and punishable by fine to also meet people from outside your household (even under the rule of six) in pubs and restaurants.
Again though, because, 2020, the government seems unsure themselves of the laws. On Radio 4 this morning Gillian and Prime Minister Boris Johnson was also forced to apologise on Twitter for getting mixed up.
In a totally incorrect answer to a question about the rules, Mr Johnson said; 'six in a home, six in hospitality but not six outside'. His correction seems to still leave the door open for people to meet up in groups of less than six while outside, saying 'you should also avoid' rather than 'new rules mean you cannot'.
Announcing the rules, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: 'We know that a large number of these infections are taking place in indoor settings outside the home. And so, at the request of the local councils with whom we have been working closely, we will introduce legal restrictions on indoor mixing between households in any setting.'
This is the first time in England since the full lockdown began to be eased in May that such extensive legal sanctions have been imposed.
And the reason we're all paying attention, is it can increasingly feel like methods that are being used in local lockdowns, will soon be rolled out across the country as and when the government decides that more restrictions are needed, but that the economy can't take the blow, so the people have to go first.
So, a plea, to any ministers who can hear us - yes, keep us safe, follow the science, do what needs to be done. But make those plans fair, make them inclusive of everybody and consider our mental health if you can.