Anyone else got to the shops and cried because they forgot their mask?

[Isitrainingihadntnoticed]

Yep. Done just that. Could of sworn I packed it and I normally carry a spare. So burst into tears outside Tesco.

Sometimes I feel I just cant do this anymore! Pathetic I know.

Last night I breezed into my local petrol station to hand over a MyHermes parcel. It was only when I reached the counter, parcel in one hand, bottle of Pinot Noir in the other, that I realised I'd forgotten a mask.

I don't have to wear one but I choose to, simply for the reassurance of others. I apologised, explained this, quickly paid and was away in 2 shakes. I felt dreadfully awkward about it but the sales lady was unperturbed.

I have several spare disposables in the car, one folded into my purse (which is admittedly huge), several in the nappy bag, several in the pocket of each coat and a wodge in the bag of reusable shopping bags. I’ll still be finding them in random places in 2026...

@downstairsmixup

"Most people are normal anyway"

Wow.

I recently got to Tesco and realised I forgot my purse, was raging with myself!

I skulked into an alleyway, got my vest off from under my clothes like a contortionist, and tied it round my head. No mask- Desperate measures.

Some days are just like that at the moment. The tiniest thing can push you over the edge. Covid is testing our resilience in all sorts of ways, and we don't always come up to our own standards. I keep spare masks everywhere I might need them when I'm out - car, pockets, handbags, etc. My Waterloo is not having a pound coin for the trolley because, what with most stores wanting card payments, I don't get any change and sometimes don't have any cash, so I've been a mess before now just because of that. Sitting on my sofa right now, it's easily resolvable, but in the wrong frame of mind, it's the last bloody straw.

you are not pathetic. This shit is tiresome. I keep spare disposables everywhere.

I put jumper/scarf over my face

I did this today! I just zipped my coat up to the top so it covered my face, then went in the shop and got a pack of masks. Opened it and put one on. Paid for it with my shopping. Job done!

@Smallwhiterat

I have several spare disposables in the car, one folded into my purse (which is admittedly huge), several in the nappy bag, several in the pocket of each coat and a wodge in the bag of reusable shopping bags. I’ll still be finding them in random places in 2026...

Same here, every pocket, every pocket in my bag, every orifice in my car!

I usually wear a reusable mask, but I keep a pack of disposables ones in the car in case I forget it. But one day I had used the last mask and found myself at the Co-op without, so I just pulled my T-shirt over my mouth and nose.

I looked a twit

Not been in this situation but I know when I'm struggling to deal with stress/anxiety a small thing can tip me over.

I had counselling and the described it as a glass of water so full it's bulging at the top. Only takes one drop to over spill. Might be that you need some support to deal with stress?

I used to always forget so I now hang a mask on the front door handle so I always see it and remember when leaving the house

Ffs you are not pathetic ignore all those comments. I'm assuming the crying was more about how shit things are and the straw that broke the camel's back rather than just crying because you forgot your mask. It's a frustrating and tiresome time and crying does not make you pathetic or not normal .

Gosh why be so mean, people? I didn't know the supermarket would help. I would have assumed that the supermarket staff would jump back like I was a dirty leper rather than help. That's how we're supposed to all treat each other, near as I can tell.

Not pathetic at all and most likely not just about the mask either.

Every one of us has a million worries at the moment and it's easy to underestimate the toll it can take.

Please look after yourself OP and ignore some of the odd replies on here. IRL people tend to be much more kind and understanding!

Thing that pisses me off about this is every time you have to buy an emergency mask, you're also paying VAT on it.
Whilst 'proper' medical grade masks were exempt (ran out at the end of October), I find it annoying that the government dictates you have to wear one, and takes it's cut out of the cost of doing so.

I was in our village outside iceland

A lady went just into iceland and asked the cashier if he had a mask she could have, he had free ones and ones you had to pay for, she chose two she didn’t have to pay for

THEN SHE WENT INTO THE SHOP NEXT DOOR...NOT ICELAND 😱

I work in a small supermarket and we have no issue if people forget, it happens. Just ask that hand sanitiser is used before coming to the checkout to buy some.

This is much more preferable to arguing about it or trying to sneak round the store without one.

Staff are understanding and we're here to help you, so honestly don't worry.

I have done this when needing to get a bus to pick up my child thankfully I had a lovely driver but I nearly cried also op. Was worried I’d not be able to Get my child from school.

Thanks lovelies. So it's not just me at times cx

I keep the buggers every where.
Car has lots in, baby bag has a few, I always make sure there is at least two in my coat pocket.
We have a stash by the front door as well.

Thankfully not been caught out yet.

I got midway round the Co op and realised I wasn't wearing a mask. Wouldn't mind I have plenty in my car for work, but I was tired and rushing in between calls. Wasn't risking losing my reduced pack of bread rolls by going back to the car so I quickly walked round, paid and went back to the car.

No I just bought a packet is masks! Dear me!

I’ve started wearing a neck buff all the time, even in the house. I get up, get dressed and put the buff on. So it’s there all day, if I pop out for milk, etc no chance of forgetting it. Much better to pull that up than fiddling around putting a mask on as well.