I will admit that the last thing I ever wanted to wear on my face was a mask. Unless I was skiing in frigid weather, and I’m not a skier. Especially, when this, the dreaded mask-wearing, has been going on for over a year with no end in sight, at least in the state of California, where I live. So, as a way to try to appreciate the positives of mask-wearing, I have come up with a list of six joys of face masks, that might help you appreciate them, too. Or, maybe not.
I do want to emphasize that I do wear my mask in public when required. And I am in no way trying to downplay the Covid-19 virus. I realize it is serious and I’m quickly approaching the high-risk age group. However, I still would rather not wear a mask. But I have tried looking for something positive in our current situation.
I have been able to come up with a list of possible positives about mask-wearing:
- Something I noticed at the beginning, is that the mask does cover up some of the bad smells out there. Maybe I have just convinced myself that it works. I feel like when a smoker walks by, I smell the cigarette smell on them, but not as strongly. It also eases the smell of overbearing perfume. Recently, I walked into a public restroom that had an awful smell to it. I feel like I could tolerate it a bit better because of the mask. Maybe? I’m kidding myself, aren’t I? However, a spray of my favorite essential oil on the inside of the mask does help.
- When it’s really cold outside, the mask warms up my face a bit without having to wrap a scarf around my head. I cannot lie, I have really appreciated that mask warmth on a cold, windy day.
- It has always been tough for me to cover a sneeze because I feel like mine comes so unexpectedly. Who really plans to sneeze? Mask to the rescue. However, any sneeze these days seems to encourage people to back away, just in case my sneeze means I have Covid-19, even though that isn’t a sign. It’s the coughers that you need to watch out for, people.
- For some people, masks have become a fashion statement. I’ve seen beaded ones and some color-coordinated to their outfits. And of course, there are the humorous ones. Or the political ones. Hey, I didn’t care what you believed before so don’t try to force your beliefs on all of us, now. I do have several masks. None of them make any kind of fashion statement. Most of them do not match any of my outfits. I really don’t care because I really don’t want to be wearing it anyway. And I’m not really into fashion anyway.
- Another great thing that is covered up by a mask is a yawn. I once again do not need to try to quickly cover up my yawn. I’m walking around tired due to lack of sleep and no one knows it. I guess the mask has become a form of privacy. I’m all about privacy.
- When I had my TSA Pre-check pictures taken recently, they had to momentarily make me remove my mask, to see if I matched my drivers’ license. This was followed by taking my picture so I will not have the majority of my face unseen for future TSA employees. The TSA screeners make you move your mask aside at the airport, so they can if your face on your ID is really you. Thank you, TSA for those brief moments of easy breathing. Air at last.
The real, true negatives of masks, are when a person tries to rob a bank or store. Or maybe attempt to steal your purse or car. When the police ask for a description, what do you say? “She had a really cute mask.” “I didn’t appreciate the words on his mask.” “I can’t believe they had hearts on their masks and they had the nerve to do this.” I believe masks can be a police officer’s worst nightmare.
However, I have found the biggest negative of masks, and it’s not my ability to breathe with my glasses on. I believe this is truly something that the world is missing out on because of masks. It’s a bad thing. The mask covers up my smile. It covers up yours, too. So we all look the same, possibly hiding a glorious happy face underneath it. It’s so hard to know what lies behind the mask.
How are you feeling about wearing a mask? Have you been able to come up with a few “positives” to help you go about your mask-wearing? Do you have a favorite mask that you love wearing? What does it look like? Please let me know in the comments section below. And have a happy day, even if no one can see your smile. 🙂
I’m glad we are supposed to wear masks to the supermarket. People keep sneezing and coughing so the mask is extra protection….but I hate that people can’t see my lipstick. I miss wearing bright colors 😛
I personally don’t wear lipstick often, but the other day I did, and then once the mask was on I realized how pointless that was. I do feel bad for women that wear it regularly. There isn’t much you can do about the mask covering it up and wiping it off.