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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Wearing masks everywhere indoors is so depressing

649 replies

Sossen · 08/08/2020 08:16

AIBU to feel frustrated and, at times, a bit upset that I can’t really do anything indoors now, either on my own or with my kids, without wearing a god damn face mask? I’ve just about been able to tolerate wearing them whilst food shopping but that’s because I now take a lot of time to write out a list and meal plan beforehand and I get in and get out, as opposed to before, when I took the time to browse, picked out what I fancied, and maybe tried on some clothes whilst there. I can cope with this ok but what is depressing me is that my ds is desperate to go to a few indoor places like the trampoline park (our local one has strict guidelines in hygiene social distancing and staggering sessions) and I’ll take him but the thought of sitting there for an hour and a half opposite my dh trying to talk to him with a mask on or watching my ds play and he can’t hear me because of the mask, well it fills me with dread. I had a cinema pass which i’ve has for years but I’ve already cancelled It as there is no way I can sit for up to 3 hours with a mask on, it would be unbearable. Every day out we go on that is predominantly outdoors but have some indoor areas I’ll have to remember to take masks with me. If I nip to post a letter, pick up my medication, go into a public car park to get my car after work I have to wear a mask. I expect to be told I’m moaning but I can’t help it. I fully resent the fact that I am being told to cover my face and I have no choice in the matter. Please tell me I’m not the only one.

OP posts:
Playdoughbum · 08/08/2020 09:06

In March they didn’t want the public buying up supplies when the NHS were struggling to get enough, surely?
Plus we know more now.

middleager · 08/08/2020 09:06

I find the disposable ones best and cannot tolerate the cloth ones. Also better for not steaming glasses as much. I do not dispose after one use though, I air on the line.

These masks are designed for men. I have a very small face so there are gaps at the side, which defeats the object.

Some people's hygeine with these is questionable - worn round the chin or under the nose. Sweaty pieces of cloth gathering germs. Also guessing they might not be washed after each use, stuffed in pockets and bags, touched on the face many times during use as they are adjusted. I remain sceptical about the benefits of them in these circumstances. I saw a man pull his down by his chin as he sneezed around a store without catching his sneeze, but I digress.

TheWoodsAreDark · 08/08/2020 09:07

Social distancing is out of the window now masks are compulsory, shops are not limiting numbers, people shove past you etc etc. The real negative is that all the (sensible) messages about distance and good hand hygiene are out of the window, there is no going back to that as the government have as good as said ‘don’t worry masks will save us all’.

The high street is struggling, shops are closing, restaurants are struggling this will be the nail in the coffin and before anyone says ‘but yes people are dying’, yes they are but without a working economy lots more will die than can every be imagined.

MrsArchchancellorRidcully · 08/08/2020 09:08

Freddie Fox why should Sossen's DS need to try one out? She said he's under 11 so no need.

And you can remove your mask in the cinema to eat. I can make popcorn last the whole film........

Masks are utterly pointless the way people wear them. On and off in and out of shops. Either wear one properly ( no touching or replace with new mask every time you touch it) or don't bother.

GisAFag · 08/08/2020 09:08

I've been to the cinema and the seats are spaced so I take my mask off whilst watching the film. Think you need to be less dramatic about it.

Teal99 · 08/08/2020 09:08

Also, I see threads on masks and a lot of people say stop moaning, you soon get used to it. I don't want to get used to it. How long are you willing to wear a mask for? Is there an end point? What if a vaccine is not available for years, are you happy to carry on? One thing this pandemic has highlighted to me is that I fear people more than I fear coronavirus.

twitter.com/naijagyaldee/status/1290212852310016000?s=21

Eng123 · 08/08/2020 09:09

Masks have had a positive impact on supermarkets for me. No longer are they full hectic places but quite calm. I assume that the same amount of food is being purchased so maybe it's just that there us less "browsing" going on! Whilst the current conditions do not everyone try to focus on the little positives for you and not dwell on the negatives. We are getting back to normal so next year will be back to our usual hamster wheel!

countrygirl99 · 08/08/2020 09:09

@SarahBellam when did it become compulsory to like wearing masks? Or have we now been banned from moaning about things we don't like. If you don't mind wearing them, bully for you. Lots of people do wear them but hate it and that's not actually a problem really is it.

wanderings · 08/08/2020 09:09

Bingo!! Smile

TheWoodsAreDark · 08/08/2020 09:10

@Bubbinsmakesthree you are very fortunate that you have been able to have the investigations, my DF was also happy to wear a mask in the hospital after essential heart treatment being ‘overlooked’ from March was finally picked up three months later.

Original poster
Sossen · 08/08/2020 09:10

Yes my ds will not be wearing one and god help anyone if they dare question this. Yesterday I seen a toddler around 2/2 and a half walking round with one on and I thought omg poor child.

OP posts:
VinylDetective · 08/08/2020 09:11

@Sossen

To be honest I don’t quite get why wearing masks weren’t made mandatory at the peak of this pandemic and it’s only now we have to wear them. I get that we now have people who where shielding out and about again but other than that I don’t understand the government’s decision to not make masks mandatory sooner.
Exactly what I’ve been saying. I detest them so I’m basically still in lockdown. The only shop I use is the supermarket, I’ve cancelled my Cineworld pass and I have no desire whatsoever to eat out.

I read the other day that when war was declared in 1939 everyone was issued with a gas mask and required to take it everywhere. Compliance was very high to begin with then it gradually started to fall after a couple of months. Six months later hardly anyone bothered. I can see this going the same way.

TheWoodsAreDark · 08/08/2020 09:11

@Teal99 until Covid deaths are zero obviously!

Meruem · 08/08/2020 09:11

I went from having not worn a mask at all, to the first time wearing it for 6 hours straight. It was absolutely fine. I wore my glasses with it. They didn’t steam up like so many people say they do. My mask was a cotton one I bought from the supermarket. I was with my DD who was also wearing one and we had conversations just fine. Honestly I think a lot of the problems people are having are psychological. This may then manifest in physical symptoms but I do think hating the mask wearing makes it more difficult. If you just accept it, it’s easier.

PurpleDaisies · 08/08/2020 09:12

I've been to the cinema and the seats are spaced so I take my mask off whilst watching the film.

The rules have changed from today. You now have to wear a mask in a cinema.

Eng123 · 08/08/2020 09:13

09:08MrsArchchancellorRidcully
There is no problem with removing and placing a face covering. Yes you could transfer CV from your face mask to your hands if you have the virus - hand sanitizer will help stop this. But the benefit is the reduction in aerolised spray. No need to get preachy.

SockYarn · 08/08/2020 09:13

[quote TheWoodsAreDark]@Teal99 until Covid deaths are zero obviously![/quote]
We haven't had a death in Scotland for 3 weeks.

Yesterday they banned visors and made cloth masks the only acceptable face covering.

TwentyViginti · 08/08/2020 09:13

@elderlyhippo

The bright side is that pretty mask, sunglasses and fringe completely covers my wrinkles
I make sure I wear dramatic eyeliner and a ton of mascara!
Original poster
Sossen · 08/08/2020 09:13

Yeah I had the cineworld pass too. I love going to watch a good film and have been going for years, but I’m not sitting there for up to three hours wearing a mask. I don’t like popcorn lol and I don’t get why you’re ok to eat in the cinema. But have to wear a mask the rest of the time. Obviously I get you can’t eat wearing a mask but then is it not possible to spread the virus whilst eating? It’s crazy.

OP posts:
Bubbinsmakesthree · 08/08/2020 09:17

@Sossen my 3 year old DS happily wears a mask when needed - he chose the fabric and gets excited about putting it on.

My 6 year old was a bit more reluctant initially and found it took a bit of getting used to but understood why it was important and now wears one when necessary without any fuss.

TheGreatWave · 08/08/2020 09:18

[quote Bubbinsmakesthree]@Sossen my 3 year old DS happily wears a mask when needed - he chose the fabric and gets excited about putting it on.

My 6 year old was a bit more reluctant initially and found it took a bit of getting used to but understood why it was important and now wears one when necessary without any fuss.[/quote]
What's the lower age limit where you live?

SockYarn · 08/08/2020 09:18

my 3 year old DS happily wears a mask when needed

It is not needed for a 3 year old to wear a mask in any situation. You are choosing to put a mask on him.

Eng123 · 08/08/2020 09:19

I thought in Scotland you can still use any paper/fabric covering, just not visors?

Lockheart · 08/08/2020 09:19

@SockYarn it is not needed in the UK.

Other countries have different rules.

Lockheart · 08/08/2020 09:20

@Sossen

Yes my ds will not be wearing one and god help anyone if they dare question this. Yesterday I seen a toddler around 2/2 and a half walking round with one on and I thought omg poor child.
Child wearing cotton cloth? Call social services!