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Original poster

Being made to wear masks.

189 replies

SeriouslyHateMasks · 22/07/2021 20:23

For some reason, I can't really explain why, I just hate wearing masks. I absolutely HATE them. Aside from this, I have willingly followed all the rules and I worked in a key role throughout all the pandemic. Not NHS, more supply chain. I have to wear a mask all day at work and I hate it.

Anyway, I have been out of England for the past 2 weeks and was looking forward to ditching the mask. Except, I can't. Whilst I was away it turns out our town council did a survey and they are encouraging everyone to still wear masks. So, I went to the shops today and everywhere I went I had to wear a mask. I went to the supermarket too and every single person had one on, so I had to follow suit or probably get an earful.

I feel so gutted. I totally respect anyone's right to wear a mask, but they are no longer enforced by law and I shouldn't have to wear one if I don't want to. If we have to wear one now, then when exactly is this going to stop?

I have not once taken a supermarket slot during the pandemic and left it for others more in need. I just now feel f^ck it. I will buy everything online and get it delivered if I have to continue wearing a mask everywhere I go. Also, what is the point of me getting double vaccinated if I have to carry on wearing this on my face in 30 degree heat.

OP posts:
BustopherPonsonbyJones · 26/07/2021 10:09

Equally, I’ve worn my mask and I haven’t seen anyone glaring at me or telling me to take it off. Everyone seems very accepting where I am. I might stand further away if you aren’t wearing a mask but I completely accept your right not to wear it and am just protecting myself. I don’t think people look at you like you’re a leper but even fully vaccinated, some people will be more at risk than others and need to be a bit more careful.

Mum21031608 · 26/07/2021 10:16

Me and my husband went to ASDA this morning and every single person we passed in the store was wearing a mask.

I felt like we were being glared at because we weren’t.

I felt really uncomfortable and like we were doing something incredibly wrong.

We did our shopping as quick as we could and left.

I think I will start wearing masks again purely so I don’t feel like a social outcast if I don’t wear one.

Mask wearing has been going on for so long that it feels like an ingrained part of society now and I like I said, I felt so uncomfortable not wearing one when everyone else was.

TheVampiresWife · 26/07/2021 10:21

I have to go to hospital today for a steroid injection - I've had other medical appointments but it's my first rheumatology appointment since pre-pandemic. I've done four LFTs since yesterday to be on the safe side but hate that I can't wear a mask - my consultant's secretary said it 'should' be ok, I'm really hoping she's right. I desperately need treatment (I've had no meds for almost two years now) but I completely understand why hospitals are different to, say, Asda. At least they'll have access to my medical records so they'll know I'm genuinely unable to wear one, I suppose.

RufustheBadgeringReindeer · 26/07/2021 10:23

I doubt people are glaring in most cases (not all obviously) but i do appreciate that it can certainly ‘feel’ as if they are

But i also think that its quite often because people don’t like being the odd one or two out, it can be very uncomfortable

UpstreamSwimmer · 26/07/2021 11:02

@TheVampiresWife

I have to go to hospital today for a steroid injection - I've had other medical appointments but it's my first rheumatology appointment since pre-pandemic. I've done four LFTs since yesterday to be on the safe side but hate that I can't wear a mask - my consultant's secretary said it 'should' be ok, I'm really hoping she's right. I desperately need treatment (I've had no meds for almost two years now) but I completely understand why hospitals are different to, say, Asda. At least they'll have access to my medical records so they'll know I'm genuinely unable to wear one, I suppose.
Sorry but you're being ridiculous. The point of a mask, if there is any, is to protect others around you. If you've taken tests and you know you're not positive, from what exactly are you protecting them?
TheVampiresWife · 26/07/2021 11:55

Sorry but you're being ridiculous. The point of a mask, if there is any, is to protect others around you. If you've taken tests and you know you're not positive, from what exactly are you protecting them?

A bit unfair to say I'm being ridiculous.

LFTs are quite unreliable, but that aside, I'm concerned about others feeling uncomfortable around an unmasked person in a rheumatology department (where many patients will be immunocompromised). From a personal POV I'm concerned I'll be judged for not wearing one (as had happened many times elsewhere previously), or even be told I can't access the department.

I've always hated not being able to wear a mask but in a hospital setting - particularly one where people will be very vulnerable - it feels even worse. Unfortunately there's absolutely no way I can avoid it.

bendmeoverbackwards · 26/07/2021 11:58

@EmergencyHydrangea

Stop whining. Wearing a mask is no ones idea of fun
They’re great in the winter, keeps your face warm!
MrsTophamHat · 26/07/2021 12:34

I think there will be a gradual decline. Everyone in the supermarket this weekend was wearing a mask. I was only really wearing mine to fit in.

BustopherPonsonbyJones · 26/07/2021 12:57

But you don’t need to fit in! This is why people are getting angry with each other. Do what you want and people adapt. Mask wearing will slowly stop but I will wear one whenever I feel it helps - if it crowded or cases are high in a particular area. Why does it matter what other people do?

Witchesbelazy · 26/07/2021 14:08

I’ve not worn one in weeks not one person has said anything to me

UpstreamSwimmer · 26/07/2021 14:11

@TheVampiresWife

Sorry, ridiculous was perhaps an offensive way of putting it. But hate is far too strong a word. If you're reasonably confident you haven't got covid just relax.

Dreamstate · 26/07/2021 14:24

I was in a tile shop and literally everyone had masks except me and yeah I got plenty of stares and noticeably so too. Like mind you own business im just looking at tiles go back to sorting your own tiles out.

One woman even commented under her breath

So its definitely not me being paranoid about being the odd one out.

I actually genuinely forgot to even bring a mask with me cos I know some small independent businesses do ask to still wear them so best to always carry one.

soredust · 26/07/2021 14:33

I think once one person stops wearing them, there is sort of a snowball effect. Every day there seem to be less people wearing them.

You are not obligated to indulge other peoples fears or answer personal questions from strangers. If they want to continue to wear masks, nobody is stopping them. OP you don't have to justify yourself to anyone.

lightattheendofthetunnel2021 · 26/07/2021 18:30

@soredust

I think once one person stops wearing them, there is sort of a snowball effect. Every day there seem to be less people wearing them.

You are not obligated to indulge other peoples fears or answer personal questions from strangers. If they want to continue to wear masks, nobody is stopping them. OP you don't have to justify yourself to anyone.

And you know, the same happened when I was (almost literally) the first one to wear a mask around here mid March. People commenting under their breath and funny looks. Don't be afraid to be the one to stand out, people are like this always.

I'm going to wear masks if I think other people will feel more reassured if I do but I have slowly started to 'forget' wearing it into various shops etc.

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