I was confronted in Petsmart by an employee. I calmly told him, “ I’m not able to wear a mask.” There was a moment of confusion on his part. I waited, did not explain further, and looked him I’m the eye without defensiveness, just knowing I have the right to stay mask free. Then he backed down and said, “” Sorry, it’s just that a few people have complained.” I said, “No problem, I understand.” I smiled and held my confidence and moved on to my shopping.
The keys to reclaiming your power here...
NOT EXPLQINING is MOST important... not easy, practice it at home daily.
Have full confidence that you are right and they are children who don’t understand your situation... know that they have no power.
Be willing to be different and calm about it.
Be willing to let them have their dumb beliefs.
If they push and they ask what “condition” you have, say,
“It sounds like you aren’t aware of federal HIIPA regulations that protect people’s medical records and don’t allow retailers to ask me that kind of question. It’s very personal. Thanks for respecting my privacy.” That will almost certainly shut them up if you have a determined Karen on your hands. Practice that at home too, until it feels very natural.
Biggest key is staying calm, compassionate and clear about your rights, and not explaining or defending. Compassion relates to understanding that they believe they are trying to be helpful to others, not letting yourself be defensive about it, and not needing anyone’s approval or permission. Also knowing it’s not your job to train these puppies in the truth. They are not yet mature enough to understand.
PERFECT! I have been offered masks in several places, including PetSmart, but never confronted anywhere except one place. A few employees have treated me like a leper, though.
I was confronted in Petsmart by an employee. I calmly told him, “ I’m not able to wear a mask.” There was a moment of confusion on his part. I waited, did not explain further, and looked him I’m the eye without defensiveness, just knowing I have the right to stay mask free. Then he backed down and said, “” Sorry, it’s just that a few people have complained.” I said, “No problem, I understand.” I smiled and held my confidence and moved on to my shopping.
The keys to reclaiming your power here...
NOT EXPLQINING is MOST important... not easy, practice it at home daily.
Have full confidence that you are right and they are children who don’t understand your situation... know that they have no power. Be willing to be different and calm about it. Be willing to let them have their dumb beliefs. If they push and they ask what “condition” you have, say, “It sounds like you aren’t aware of federal HIIPA regulations that protect people’s medical records and don’t allow retailers to ask me that kind of question. It’s very personal. Thanks for respecting my privacy.” That will almost certainly shut them up if you have a determined Karen on your hands. Practice that at home too, until it feels very natural. Biggest key is staying calm, compassionate and clear about your rights, and not explaining or defending. Compassion relates to understanding that they believe they are trying to be helpful to others, not letting yourself be defensive about it, and not needing anyone’s approval or permission. Also knowing it’s not your job to train these puppies in the truth. They are not yet mature enough to understand.
PERFECT! I have been offered masks in several places, including PetSmart, but never confronted anywhere except one place. A few employees have treated me like a leper, though.