DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical expert or even have a fully functioning brain. I bought $GME @ $435 and smoke sawdust. I resist forming an opinion on anything until my TV tells me what to think.
TLDR: You will be nervous and stressed, but will rarely be confronted. Be kind, ignore/avoid when able, and be ready to take your business elsewhere. Do not give Karen a viral moment.
I live in a red state that does not have draconian mask laws, but all of the local businesses still have a "mask required" sign on their doors. Everyone wears a mask everywhere I go, except me. I avoid pro-mask businesses like Costco because I know they will force a confrontation (saving a ton of $$$ too).
RELAX: You will feel uncomfortable for a while, waiting for Karen to start screaming at you. This will keep you on edge and under stress for weeks, so get used to it. Keep calm and carry on, because a confrontation rarely happens with men (sadly, women tend to be Karen magnets when alone). It has been months since I wore a mask and I still feel on edge when I enter a new business/place.
BE KIND: When asked to wear a mask, remember that the person asking likely hates wearing one too, but feel it's their job to compel you to comply. Even people who claim masks do not work will wear one to avoid peer pressure. A simple "No Thank You" or a redirect to comment about the weather usually works fine. Be ready to walk away or leave if the situation warrants it. Karen wants to make an example of you, do not give her a viral moment.
SADNESS: You will begin to feel sadness and pity for those around you that continue to wear a mask. I sit in church each Sunday, trying to focus on the Lord, but distracted by the Greek tragedy being played out in front of me. It is worse when you know many profess anti-mask sentiments in private but join the sheeple in public. True sadness will come as you see how conditioned the youth are, wearing their mask to "protect their family". I am sad, just writing this...
JOY: You may not know it, but you are making a difference. One by one, you will see more and more people go maskless and it will bring you a sense of joy. There may be eye contact, a knowing smile, or a head nod in passing. You will begin to regain confidence in your choices and live your life without fear.
I hope this is helpful, but I have to cut it short because my wife just walked into my office naked...got to go!
I don’t wear a mask, I have a spinal cord injury and use a wheelchair and I also have special devices made for me that work like braces/prosthetic limbs so that I can walk. When I use my devices to walk it takes a lot more effort than just a normal person walking (so does pushing a wheelchair) so I’m huffing and puffing & can’t breathe with a mask, also and this is my biggest problem- I can’t feel my feet in space. If I can’t see them I don’t know where they are (if you close your eyes hold your hand palm up or down you can tell without looking if it’s up or down, I’ve lost that sense with this injury.) Therefore it’s very dangerous for me to wear a mask because I tend to fall. Everywhere I go I just avoid eye contact, I got into a few knock down drag outs at first but then I realized that this isn’t going away quickly and I just don’t have the energy to fight with everyone. I also have a 10year old daughter and she does not wear a mask either. She is homeschooled this year and if masking is required next year she definitely won’t be going back. (Not that there aren’t a million other reasons not to send her back). Be strong and hang in there, we just have to remember that there are other places to shop and if you have to leave a store it’s ok - you can always get it somewhere else. Hold your ground- we are right -masks are not only completely ineffective but they are dangerous both physically and psychologically. aaaaaaand Covid is 99.97 % survivable 🤦♀️
Thank you for sharing your story wth us
Thank you for sharing your story! Agreed that this is going alittle over the top on everything. Stay stong fren!