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!
Wife and I went into Lowe's a few weeks ago (damn snowmobile broke down across the street on the trail and i needed a bolt/nut and a tool) and got a dirty look from a random Karen. After we said our hi's to the employees, wife decided to go look at flowers (because they will hold up for the hour ride home...on said snowmobile....in 20* weather) As I was finding my bolt/nut combo, wife was attacked by said Karen, yelling at her about not wearing a mask.
I did not know about this until we were out of the store, where i turned on a dime, and went searching for Karen. Made sure she was aware that it is NOT ok to talk to my wife like that, and she can take her mask back home, where she should have been this whole time if shes that scared.
I don't believe that it was filmed, but who knows. Not one employee of Lowes stepped in, or gave me any shit for it. Karen will think twice about attacking women when their husbands aren't around. bitch!
(and good for you. no need to talk with us. the wife is naked!!!)