This is my first time posting. I don't wear masks in stores. I'm not rude about it because I know people are scared. I just keep my distance from the people who are wearing them. I get big smiles from some folks every time - especially from the people not covering their noses or who are wearing crocheted masks or some other half compliant face covering that is more breathable - and complete strangers walk up to me often and want to talk to me. I think these folks are genuinely inspired by my courage. They express concern for our country and I encourage them and tell them to find a better news source ;)

Last week a very young girl (unmasked) riding in her mom's grocery cart saw me and asked her mom, "why isn't she wearing a mask?" Her mom answered, "because she doesn't have to." The little girl said, "then take your mask off too, mommy'" and she proceeded to pull her mom's mask off.

Yesterday I entered a store and the young man filling my order asked if I had a mask with me. I said "no, I'm not into communism." Confused, he asked me to repeat myself, thought about it for a moment, replied, "fair enough," and continued to fill my order.