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not having to wear a mask feels weird?

49 replies

LucyLockdownLover · 08/07/2021 11:00

With all this talk about masks not being required, does anyone feel weird having to go out in public unmasked?

OP posts:
DiaryofWimpyMumm · 08/07/2021 16:36

No I forget mine a lot and have to come back to the house. I'm in Scotland so will no doubt be wearing one for some time yet.

My aunties feel safer with theirs apparent (76 and 83)

grapewine · 08/07/2021 21:19

When you say "standing" does that mean you can legally remove it when sitting on public transport?

Yes @IRanSoFarAway1

IRanSoFarAway1 · 08/07/2021 21:25

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk guidelines.

tappitytaptap · 08/07/2021 21:27

Erm, we are not required to wear one in ‘public’ all the time now. Just shops, cafes etc? No one asked you to wear one walking down the street…..

Lostinacloud · 08/07/2021 21:28

I walked into a sticking out bit of temporary barrier the other day because the mask restricted my immediate downward vision and now I have a huge bruise on the front of my thigh. Wearing masks is weird and inhibits normal life so personally I can’t wait to see the back of the pointless things.

LittleRen · 08/07/2021 22:09

I cannot wait to meet my children after school and smile at them without a mask. I also can’t wait to drop them off and kiss them without having to pull my mask down.

PuffinShop · 08/07/2021 22:36

It was a tiny bit strange (but in a good way) the first time after they weren't mandatory in shops anymore. But even now over a month later, when I go in without having to faff about with it I occasionally get a little thrill of pleasure and just take a deep breath and smile to myself doing the food shop. The things we used to take for granted!

Blueberry40 · 08/07/2021 23:10

Yes, I love wearing a mask! A lot of people might think this is strange but personally I’m really going to miss wearing one.

Nanalisa60 · 08/07/2021 23:25

I think If you feel safer and happier wearing a bit of cloth over your face then fill your boots carry on wearing one. I personally will be happily throwing all mine in the bin!!

NannyAndJohn · 09/07/2021 01:41

I do admit, when I take mine off after returning home I do feel a bit naked for a while.

Kokeshi123 · 09/07/2021 03:26

I stopped wearing one outdoors a while back. It felt odd at first, but I got used to it. And realized how much I'd missed being able to smell things! Not traffic fumes, I mean, but the smell of parks and people's garden,, the earthy smell you get after it's rained. Now I'm used to it again, it's lovely.

PerveenMistry · 09/07/2021 03:33

@Blueberry40

Yes, I love wearing a mask! A lot of people might think this is strange but personally I’m really going to miss wearing one.
I like it, too.
XenoBitch · 09/07/2021 03:42

@Blueberry40

Yes, I love wearing a mask! A lot of people might think this is strange but personally I’m really going to miss wearing one.
You don't have to stop wearing one.
NannyAndJohn · 09/07/2021 03:59

I think a lot of people (men in particular) fail to appreciate just how liberating masks have been for women as a class.

Blueberry40 · 09/07/2021 07:36

@NannyAndJohn

I think a lot of people (men in particular) fail to appreciate just how liberating masks have been for women as a class.
Absolutely this! And @XenoBitch don’t worry, I fully intend to carry on wearing one for as long as possible- I’m guessing I will have to stop at some point though Grin
zaragirl84 · 09/07/2021 11:11

In what way have masks been liberating for women?

Can someone please explain?

SmidgenofaPigeon · 09/07/2021 11:14

I too am confused about how covering the bottom half of my face in public is supposed to have been a liberating experience as a woman.

NannyAndJohn · 09/07/2021 13:27

Easier to avoid the male gaze and we're no longer coerced into putting on a full face of makeup for a trip to the supermarket.

SmidgenofaPigeon · 09/07/2021 13:31

I’ve never felt ‘coerced’ into putting on make up in my life.

And if you think the male gaze is all about how men look at your face, which they suddenly don’t do if it’s partly obscured, you haven’t studied the theory very well.

zaragirl84 · 09/07/2021 14:48

I'm not even sure where to start with that.

I have never felt coerced into wearing make up to the supermarket, but if you, or other women have. I fail to see how covering your mouth is the solution to that.

Would you also like to see the niqab make law?

I personally think the opposite about the so called male gaze. I suspect it's probably every sexist pigs dream to see a women essentially gagged.

It's quite frightening how people, who were clearly not happy with aspect of life before, are now enjoying these restrictions so much so that they want to see them inflicted on everyone.

Geamhradh · 09/07/2021 14:57

@NannyAndJohn

Easier to avoid the male gaze and we're no longer coerced into putting on a full face of makeup for a trip to the supermarket.
Speak for yourself mate. If that's how you felt before wearing a mask you might want to take a look at how you perceive male and female roles. Some of us kind of rejected the Stepford thing a while back.
PuffinShop · 09/07/2021 18:39

I am a woman and I've never once worn make up in my life - nothing wrong with it but I choose not to. It hasn't been a problem. If you don't want to wear make up, then don't!

MorrisZapp · 09/07/2021 18:45

Are you in the UK just now? Very odd that security guards are giving you the eye. I can't think of any place where security guards should be unmasked themselves yet.

As for the 'I wish we were keeping them because I like mine' crowd, apart from in banks you've been allowed to cover your face throughout history and there is no move to change that. Crack on.

BogRollBOGOF · 09/07/2021 19:06

@NannyAndJohn

Easier to avoid the male gaze and we're no longer coerced into putting on a full face of makeup for a trip to the supermarket.
Saudi Arabia is nice at this time of year. Plus you wouldn't need suncream on the top half of your face. Added bonus it's now legal for you to drive for the full liberation experience. Hmm
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