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Original poster

To feel really shit about how people judged me for no mask.

333 replies

DidSheReallySayThat20 · 04/09/2020 21:31

For the record. I've previously tried wearing a mask until today. I have ptsd relating to being suffocated in a DV relationship. I spent years in therapy and on meds to cope daily.
The last few times I've come over funny and feeling like I'm goi g to have a panic attack which I haven't had one in 4 years.
I also suffer with anxiety shopping in a store where I don't normally shop.

The gp said I do not need to wear a mask and I have valid reason for exemption

Today shopping two different sets of people were vocal about it.. One was a mutter I could barely catch but I heard.. that's 4 no masks today and continued out of ear shot

I kept my head down I felt awful. Then a couple said excuse me, you are aware of the rules or Are you another young one who thinks they're above the law.. I ignored them. I wish I'd come back with a reply now.
Only ' good' thing was being called young at nr 40.

Its been on my mind since and I honestly have tried but the anxiety and stress they caused and thinking about it days up to shopping day and after wearing one I woild of ended up back on anti depressants because it affected me so badly.

OP posts:
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 05/09/2020 15:29

Are the disabled exempt from consideration for others?

Obviously not, but clearly those with a hidden disability meaning they CAN'T wear a mask are. Please note, that's can't not won't

MadameBlobby · 05/09/2020 15:32

@PerveenMistry you can babble on all you like about consideration, how people should stay home, about how you feel you have some god given right to not get CV, but the truth of the matter is that exemptions exist, no one has to justify themselves to anyone (other than the police), stay in the house, or engage in any other behaviour you think they should because it suits you. You don’t have to like it but it is what it is, and tough shit.

museumum · 05/09/2020 15:34

Euan’s guide have made badges. If I were you I’d wear one and avoid having to speak to any of the judgy folk (just point at it). www.euansguide.com/news/face-mask-exempt-badges/

PurpleDaisies · 05/09/2020 16:02

I think non mask wearing is an anti social act

What, even if you physically can’t?

Burpeesshmurpees · 05/09/2020 16:22

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PurpleDaisies · 05/09/2020 16:25

It’s nothing to do with the thread @Burpeesshmurpees.

The op can’t wear one. She isn’t being inconsiderate by not wearing one.

I am only wearing one because I have to or face a fine. I’m guessing there’s a fair few people out there doing the same. It’s nothing to do with being considerate for me. I hate it.

jillandhersprite · 05/09/2020 16:26

My husband will not wear a mask. He is average male height and broadness. He has never been approached or asked about his lack of mask - ever...
The one an only time I forgot my mask but needed urgently to get some bread and butter from our nearest co-op and I socially distanced from everyone I saw and I was challenged twice.
Shows me that these so called 'challengers' and 'commentators' are just bullies that pick on people they perceive as weaker and that they can 'win' a verbal battle against...
The experience has made me want to wear a mask less rather than more...

Burpeesshmurpees · 05/09/2020 16:28

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Aridane · 05/09/2020 16:41

I am only wearing one because I have to or face a fine. I’m guessing there’s a fair few people out there doing the same. It’s nothing to do with being considerate for me. I hate it.

Which is why, sadly, it has to be law

PerveenMistry · 05/09/2020 16:49

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PurpleDaisies · 05/09/2020 16:50

More disablist crap from you @PerveenMistry

PurpleDaisies · 05/09/2020 16:56

People wearing masks aren’t necessarily being considerate. They are obeying the rules.
People who cannot wear masks are not subject to that rule so they are not being inconsiderate by not wearing a mask.

Suggesting disabled people should stay you of public places is disgusting.

DazedandConcerned · 05/09/2020 17:01

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Batshitbeautycosmeticsltd · 05/09/2020 17:08

Disabilist cunts are the ones who should isolate themselves; the disabled have to do that enough as it is. Fuck disablist bastards.

Batshitbeautycosmeticsltd · 05/09/2020 17:11

@jillandhersprite

My husband will not wear a mask. He is average male height and broadness. He has never been approached or asked about his lack of mask - ever... The one an only time I forgot my mask but needed urgently to get some bread and butter from our nearest co-op and I socially distanced from everyone I saw and I was challenged twice. Shows me that these so called 'challengers' and 'commentators' are just bullies that pick on people they perceive as weaker and that they can 'win' a verbal battle against... The experience has made me want to wear a mask less rather than more...
Yep! Same here.
Sockwomble · 05/09/2020 17:27

Lanyards and badges are for the benefit of people who have decided they would feel more comfortable wearing one. They are not for the benefit of other people so those of you telling people they should wear one to do their bit etc- this one is not about you. They are not for your benefit.

The goady fucker poster who keeps telling others they shouldn't be out can fuck off.

LangClegsInSpace · 05/09/2020 17:51

@Aridane

I am only wearing one because I have to or face a fine. I’m guessing there’s a fair few people out there doing the same. It’s nothing to do with being considerate for me. I hate it.

Which is why, sadly, it has to be law

I disagree.

Social distancing is not law but the vast majority of people nevertheless do their best to stay 2m apart because we understand the science behind it, there is actually a decent amount of science behind it, the rule is applied consistently etc.

By contrast, the government doesn't care whether you wear an effective face covering - any old crap strapped to your face will do - and there are some very high risk venues like pubs where you don't have to wear one at all.

There is weak evidence that if enough people wear an effective face covering in indoor settings, in areas of high community transmission, where they are unable to keep 1m apart, then they can potentially reduce transmission. That's all we've got.

Mask wearing 'has to be' law because no decent public health case can be made for the government's illogical, inconsistent policy. And the reason for that is because it's not to do with public health it's to do with consumer confidence.

The government does not care if you wear a face covering, they just want you to look as if you're wearing one so consumers 'feel safe' enough to go back out and spend money.

TracyBeakerSoYeah · 05/09/2020 18:25

@LangClegsInSpace
I totally agree with you.

MadameBlobby · 05/09/2020 19:31

@Burpeesshmurpees

Wearing a mask is about both being considerate and following rules actually. That's why lots of people were already wearing them before the rules came in. Because they don't want to.inadvertantly spread Covid to others. Some people do care about things like that. (Not saying people who can't wear them don't care before i.get jumped on!)
Of course I don’t want to pass on Covid but I didn’t want to pass it on even before mask wearing was mandatory. That’s not why I wear a mask. I only wear it because I have to.
annabel85 · 05/09/2020 19:39

There's two types of people who don't wear a mask: people (rebels) who don't give a shit and can't be arsed to wear one; and people who medically can't for whatever reason.

The problem is the latter get labelled with the former. and probably don't look as intimidating as the 'don't give a shit' brigade so will be challenged by the jobsworths.

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 05/09/2020 20:03

Of course I don’t want to pass on Covid but I didn’t want to pass it on even before mask wearing was mandatory. That’s not why I wear a mask. I only wear it because I have to.

This. Mine goes on outside the shop and comes off as soon as I step back outside and stuffed in my bag or pocket.

PennyDreadfuI · 06/09/2020 18:11

@Aridane

Just wear a lanyard - this is not the hill to die on!
I wear a lanyard. It hasn't stopped people from making disgusting comments.
peachsquish · 09/09/2020 13:10

Ironically going up to a non mask wearer is surely putting the complainer at more risk than if they just minded their own business and made sure to social distance.

dairyfairies · 09/09/2020 13:32

Sorry that happened. I’d practise confidently saying you’ve got a valid reason to be exempt, or download one of the badges and put it in a sunflower lanyard.

I don't think you owe anyone an explanation - it is nobodys business why you cannot wear a mask and I would not wear the sunflower lanyard either. It is not really for this who cannot wear a mask for such reasons but for those with hidden disabilities who may needs some extra support/help such as autism of learning difficulties.

I really think the only way around is growing a thicker skin. My DD (teen) has autism/learning difficulties so I had years to learn to ignore the judgy public. it's also the only way we can handle it mask wise.

mallowa · 09/09/2020 13:35

I think on your situation OP I would tell them the reason why I couldn't wear one (I am quite a blunt person) and watch the look on their faces. Totally get that most people would not want to say the reason though.

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