Dad insisting on wearing a mask to drive?

[Bramblebear92]

Hoping I don't get flamed for this, but it seems really out of proportion. I'm planning on moving back home for the foreseeable as the job market is pretty dead and I haven't seen anyone for god knows how long.

My dad's picking me up tomorrow but insisting both he and I wear a mask in the car? He's not stopping anywhere and neither of us have been working out of the house or gone anywhere aside from very occasionally to the shops or for a walk.

When I asked him if he and mum will see me if I go back to work he pretty much said possibly not I usually live away, so don't see them frequently, but the thought that they may not see me again till a vaccine is pretty upsetting. I know it's his choice, but he's early 50's, not shielding or particularly high risk, but seems genuinely terrified. It just makes me wonder if the media have done too good of a job on some people. He didn't have any health anxiety before and was even happy to continue going out the week before and didn't seem that worried. Now I can't see him going anywhere until there's a vaccine. I also asked him if there's never a vaccine will he continue social distancing and not seeing me indefinitely (whilst I'm working) and he pretty much said yes.

I'm living on my own and I suppose if it gets to a stage where I can see friends and boyfriend again this wouldn't be so distressing, but I'm beginning to wonder if I'm going to have to get used to long term solitary confinement

I'm relatively healthy now, but in the past I've suffered from health anxiety due to having severe health problems and possibly a few close shaves with death. But I honestly think I'd risk death over never seeing loved ones again.

I thought the advice was if you are unable to maintain social distancing then a face covering should be worn?

But I'm moving home and he says as soon as we're home there's no need to wear masks so I don't understand the logic. If he was insisting on me isolating at home I'd understand, but he's not. And as neither of us have been anywhere the chances of having it are extremely low.

But you can still socially distance in the home? Until you’re both sure you’re not incubating? There’s no perfect solution. He’s just trying to keep you both well.

Is "back home" your parents place? If you'll be living with him, it seems pointless for him to wear a mask in the car.

I understand where you're coming from and I'll obviously do what he wants, but it's more the pattern of behaviour that's concerning me. I mean saying he'll never see me again if there's no cure seems a tad extreme. Plus he washes his hands to the point they're dry even though he isn't having any contact with the outside world.

Yeah I currently live in London but I'm moving back to my parents until I can go back to work here. I suppose we can socially distance in the home to some extent, but we'll be using the same bathroom, shower etc.

Maybe he thinks the particles can come in through the vents in the dash

I often wonder why people wear masks when they're in the car on their own. I think a mask is a fashion accessory for some people now

“I often wonder why people wear masks when they're in the car on their own. “

You’re not supposed to keep touching them/taking them on and off.

I think if you want to move back into their home you do need to abide by their rules even if not what you want to do or general guidance. The other option is to stay in your own place if you don't want to.

Maybe once you have been there a few days just chat about the changes as they are introduced etc. and see if he feels more relaxed.

I think sometimes wearing a mask is something people to to manage their anxiety and give them a feeling of control.
Not doubting that masks mitigate the risk but they also serve that safety blanket function as well, although this is probably largely unconscious