Masks are coming back and I feel like an idiot!

[Rainbowheart1]

As the title, I can’t wear one as I can’t breath, they are really coming back into force where I live and I do tend to overthink things and I feel like a prat!

I had to go hospital recently and everyone, I mean everyone had a mask apart from me and I just look stupid! To look at me and not know me, I look young, fit and healthy, which makes it worst!

Am I doing overthinking this? Do you think people think I’m some sort of Covid rebel?

Breathe (rhymes with seethe.)
Breath (rhymes with death.)
Yes, I know I'll be torn to shreds, but it's helpful to differentiate.

You can breathe in a mask.

Where I live masks have been constant since last year, for good reason so yeah, when I see an adult not wearing a mask (especially in a medical setting) or an exemption lanyard I do assume they’re an idiot. If you’re exempt, you’re exempt. My son is so doesn’t wear one- we’ve tried lots of different ones but due to his sensory issues still struggles.

Where are you OP?
They aren't making a comeback in my neighbourhood in North London, mask wearing seems to have settled at around 20%, higher on the tube.

@hesterstanhope

Can you wear a face shield instead? Would provide reassurance that you understand the risks. When I see an unmasked person, I worry that they aren’t going to follow the other rules on social distance etc.

I had someone with a mask on practically standing on top of me in Tesco last weekend. She absolutely was not following any social distancing!

OP - I just don’t have it in me to judge whether or not you’re wearing a mask or other people are doing. I’ve done my own risk assessment, I’ve decided what I am/not happy with and done what I can to mitigate risk and just cracking on at this point.

@Rainbowheart1 If you struggle, then just wear one when you can and take it off if you need to. That's all anyone can ask.

you can breathe. you are only panicking. if you are "exempt" you should stay away from public areas. if we protect you, then you should protect us. it's about respect

An elderly relative with severe COPD had a hospital appointment today. He wore a mask as he does for every medical appointment and on the very few occasions he has been out of the house, or had someone like a carer or barber in the house.

Why do you feel you can't breathe? It must be psychological rather than physical.

You will “get through the door of a hospital” without a mask

You may get asked about it, but you will not be refused treatment

Why did you feel like an idiot? You’re sure your reason for not wearing one is valid so it is what it is. It’s equally fine for other people to think you’re an idiot but they can’t change your behaviour so that’s also just what it is. No one said anything to you so you’re just projecting.

They're coming back where I live too. I find the fabric ones best. I ordered some from M&S online. DS gets on far better with the fabric ones as well. The disposal ones are horrid.

@hesterstanhope

Can you wear a face shield instead? Would provide reassurance that you understand the risks. When I see an unmasked person, I worry that they aren’t going to follow the other rules on social distance etc.

This @Rainbowheart1

Where are they making a comeback? Hopefully on my local public transport.
Could you try a visor? Don't worry about it. Loads of people aren't wearing them for no good reason so you're fine.

Could you try those face shields/plastic see through that cover your whole face but aren't tight against the skin?

Not clear why you cant breathe with a mask.

It feels odd at first but you do get used to it and unless you are needing to wear one all day, most people wear them for a short time in shops or on public transport.

It is no one else’s business - and believe me most people don’t care. Just carry on living your life.

"There are a lot of reasons why some people can’t wear one."

There really aren't that many reasons. Where I live, being exmpt might exist in rare cases, but it's not a 'thing' like it is in the UK.

Also can’t see them making a comeback here. No one has worn one in months

Can you wear a visor instead? I see lots of outpatients wearing them at work, they seem an acceptable alternative

They are still mandatory around here, still parents go into the school without wearing them, and stroll around supermarkets, often standing very close to others obviously in an attempt to start an argument. I think they are all twats, but that's for me to deal with, my personal thoughts shouldn't impact anyone else, even if they are daft enough to think they can't breathe with a tiny piece of fabric over their face.

"Can you wear a face shield instead?
Would provide reassurance that you understand the risks."

Face shields don't do anything.

You can't just refuse to treat people without a mask

Unless you want the case to end up in Laura Dodsworths next book if she writes a follow up.

@gcgirlsrock

It is no one else’s business - and believe me most people don’t care. Just carry on living your life.

It's my business if I have to wear a mask for you and you don't for me. And people obviously do care.

@Chunkymenrock

Breathe (rhymes with seethe.)
Breath (rhymes with death.)
Yes, I know I'll be torn to shreds, but it's helpful to differentiate.

👏

@Gwenhwyfar

"There are a lot of reasons why some people can’t wear one."

There really aren't that many reasons. Where I live, being exmpt might exist in rare cases, but it's not a 'thing' like it is in the UK.

Same where I’m atm. Everyone older than 2 has to wear a mask - no exceptions, no exemptions. Somehow people manage.