Have to admit I have been a bit critical of the Spring Breakers and their abandon like this is the roaring 20's. However, I may have discovered the power of the appeal and while I still worry about them, I'm a bit more understanding.
Being 82 with two diseases that make me vulnerable to Covid, the flu or even a nasty cold, I am very cautious. I'm super high risk even with all my shots so I still mask up faithfully. Well that was until....
I had to take my little truck in for repairs and for some reason I just popped into the office mask-less. Oops. Realizing I could be better understood without my mask, I stated my case but instead of going back to my truck for a mask, I just sat down to wait. I was in the office alone.
Soon however a fresh faced, nice looking young man (early thirties) came in who had an appointment at the same time as mine I was set to go out to get my mask but my vehicle was now on the rack. Wasn't sure I could hold my breath for 45 minutes and wasn't excited about standing outside for that amount of time.
I was surprised that instead of sitting on the couch with me, he moved to the back of the room and stood while leaning against the wall. We had a good 12 feet between us so I stayed. Not sure if it was out of deference to me or fear of me that he put that much distance between us but I was grateful.
He asked if that little Toyota was mine and the conversation took off. For the next 45 minutes, we swapped car stories, growing up stories, occupations, and even a shared acquaintance. We talked easily and laughed like we had been friends for years. Then it dawned on me why I was enjoying this so much.
He was the first person I had talked to in over 2 years where facial expressions went with the words. I talk to people every day but it is over the phone without face time or if in public, masked. We were both barefaced and it was exhilarating. I know he was enjoying it as much as I was for he just kept grinning. Me too. Folks, it was almost sensual.
Those of you who have a spouse or family members to share facial expressions with, just know how lucky you are. For the rest of us, some of the more enjoyable parts of conversation lie behind the mask and we have been denied. I didn't know how much I missed and needed it till that barefaced conversation with a stranger.
May we all be able to go barefaced soon. But till we can, back behind the mask I go. At least now I realize just what I have been missing and can't wait till we are released.
BTW, it has been a week and no odd symptoms so no harm was done during those 45 rather careless but delightful minutes.
Stay safe everyone.
Oh Patti, this sure was a sweet read but my heart broke a little for you too. Like you, I live alone but I also don't, being in a high-rise apt building. Most of us are maskless now but I DO see some older neighbors here too, who still wear masks and keep their heads down and stay apart from everyone. I figured it was just a personal choice, but they could be in the same spot you're in. I appreciate you saying this with us, because now I'll continue with my distance but will try to talk to them more if they're up for it. PS. I know city life isn't for you, but I sure wish you were one of these people in my building! 🙂
ReplyDeleteDoug,
DeleteThanks and I think that would be lovely of you to talk to the masked, keeping your distance and let them see your open, friendly face full of expression. We masked miss that with out even knowing how much.
I would love to be your neighbor or actually have a bunch of neighbors. That would be fun.
I find that I am less and less mindful of putting my mask on but I always have one in my bag to grab. The last time I went to the grocery store there were only two shoppers in mask (me being one) but most of the employees were masked.
ReplyDeleteOlga,
DeleteI know, now days the only ones with masks on have grey hair. I guess Walmart lets vaccinated employees go mask-less.
I have been quarantined for a very long time. Children and a few grandchildren have dropped by occasionally but we have all been very careful. I too have health concerns and had my shots and my booster. Still I worry because I saw on the news the other day that everyone will eventually have COVID.
ReplyDeleteAnnie,
DeleteLike you, I am not convinced this is behind us. The jumping numbers in Europe, China and the presence of the new variant being increasing in the US make me still mask up.
We have all missed seeing faces and without that ability there have tons less conversations with strangers. I'm so glad you got that opportunity at a safe distance.
ReplyDeleteI have been going maskless the last couple of weeks but always have one with me. When I got my hair cut a woman came in and asked if we'd mind putting one on because she was bringing in her sister who had a weaken immunity and we all gladly complied.
Jean,
DeleteThat was so thoughtful of you all to do that. There are people who have weakened immune systems--I am one of those. Keeping a mask handy is a smart idea.
Sounds like a conversation I would have enjoyed as well, Patti. This Friday our province is going mask free except for medical institutions. I'm looking forward to clearer voices and facial cues as well. Lipstick applications resume. Yay-y-y.
ReplyDeleteFlorence,
DeleteI am sure you would have enjoyed it too. No politics, no terrible war news, just light but interesting subjects with laughs sprinkled in.
I put on lipstick recently--actually had it on that day--and realized how much brighter it makes us look. Just a simple thing but I have missed it also. Now I wear it around the house. I don't scare myself so much biw in the mirror:))
This was such a wonderful story, Patti. How sweet it must have been for the two of you to just be able to talk and smile and see each other's faces. We're still masking up when we go to the store, but we had the grandkids over the other day and we all hung out in the house without masks on. It was so nice, like the old days. Take care there, Patti.
ReplyDeleterobin,
DeleteI had to feel he felt the same way and we fed off eachother. We were grinning even when nothing was funny. So glad you got a lovely dose of the grandkids. I wounder how all this face hiding is affecting the children?
It sounds like you both took the precautions you needed to with the social distancing.
ReplyDeleteI'm fortunate that I live with my son, and we chat every day when he comes home from work. (I think a lot of people would be surprised how little time we spend together when we are home). I get hugs too and that's the best! But I do agree a conversation with somebody without masks will be a real treat.
Eileen,
DeleteI am so glad you have your son tho hang out barefaced with and trade hugs with. Wow, that will be a long blog when I get one of those:))
What a lovely story! I don't mind wearing a mask but much of our expressions are lost because of it. Sometimes that's a good thing. I haven't been as careful about masking as I used to be and am hoping that won't bite me in the you-know-where. Glad you had such a lovely conversation!
ReplyDeleteMargaret,
DeleteI know. That thought crossed my mind as I enjoyed the chat hoping I hadn't thrown 2 plus years of caution in the toilet. Think I am good though.
Touching, happy and sad all at once.
ReplyDeleteInger,
DeleteThank you and yes it was sad that such a simple act should have been so important. Can't wait for it to become routine.
I too still wear my mask and honestly may turn out to be a 'forever' masker (at least during flu season). But I dream of finding myself somewhere in a crowd and have forgotten my mask. Guess this pandemic has caused us a little hidden anxiety. And I'm so pleased that the young man gave you your space. That was very considerate of him.
ReplyDeleteRian,
DeleteIt really was considerate of him especially since the young tend to think they are bullet proof. He didn't hesitate which made me comfortable.
I too will probably continue to mask in the future at least during flu season. I has been nice these past few years to not even get a cold.
Oh, I know how you feel. Blessings come in little ways.
ReplyDeletegigi,
DeleteYes they do and it is wonderful that something so simple can mean so much. So glad you have David every day to watch him smile.
I still wear a mask most indoor places, but since it's no longer mandatory, I notice some people, like my barista, who I hardly recognized without her mask. I'm like you, looking forward to a maskless future but not in any hurry. :-)
ReplyDeleteDjan,
DeleteIsn't it amazing how we have come to accept that half a person's face is gone? I have medical personal and clerks that I would not recognize unmasked.
Well I'm sure I left a message, but it won't be the first time I'm mistaking in my assumption.
ReplyDeleteTexas has been lax in mask mandates for some time now. All I can say is:. I hope soon this will be all behind us.
Anni,
DeleteNope, this is the first I have seen you here today. I have done that too. Sworn I have posted a comment but nope.
I do hope we are soon free to roam mask-less but I want them to be really sure before giving the all clear.
This is a great post. Because I have hearing loss, I read people's lips and well as wearing hearing aids. Can't do that with a mask on. It is also harder to hear people who are masked. I have been going without now in the few places where I go. It is freeing. Masks are still required in clinics though, and I see to frequent them a lot.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
DeleteThank you, glad you liked it. I know it is harder to hear people through a mask even with good hearing. I hadn't thought of those who also rely on lip riding to help. Sure will be glad when this is over for all our sakes.
Oh! That sounds like a wonderful conversation. I remember one time being rung up by an irritated looking cashier at the grocery store. I was not sure what I had done to offend her until I realized I had forgotten my mask.
ReplyDeleteSue,
DeleteI know, as religious as I am about masking, I have run into a store for something quick like without a mask just not thinking. This episode taught me to carry one in my purse.
I was barefaced at the supermarket a few days ago. it's nearby so I walk, but this one day I got all the way there before I realised my mask was at home. I didn't go into the main part of the store, just to the front desk to purchase a newspaper. In and out of there in two minutes, but when I got home I pushed disposable masks into all the pockets of clothes I usually wear. I won't be caught out again.
ReplyDeleteRiver,
DeleteI do the same thing only just make sure I have one in my purse. That always goes with me. It is surprising when we forget isn't it since we have been doing it for years?
Thank goodness you're OK, Patti.
ReplyDeleteI went to the optometrist today and then to three stores and everywhere I went EVERYBODY was masked. I was surprised because they just took away the mask mandate here in Hawaii. I guess I live in an older town so people are just extra cautious. I wonder how much longer this will be. Doesn't matter. I'm not giving up my mask and I'm getting that 2nd booster as soon as it's available.
Kay,
DeleteBe glad that most do continue to mask. Here we maskers are in the minority. Me too on the second booster. Looks like it may be soon.
The first time for me was scary and then it felt good so I so understand this! I am glad you are well and it was such a great breath of fresh air for you - almost worth car troubles :-).
ReplyDeletePeg,
DeleteI understand your initial fear. We have been programmed well. And yes, the experience was so worth it. It will carry me a while.
We've been having maskless get-togethers with a few select friends and family members. Still wear a mask in public -- grocery store. etc. One of these days we'll feel comfortable enough to actually go to a restaurant!
ReplyDeleteTom,
DeleteGlad you are getting in those barefaced moments. They are precious. Me too on wanting to eat out with friends. Ahhh.
I don't remember a time where we were in such a dilemma over what to do in the wake of this pandemic. I had a very similar thing that you write about and (while I loved the unmasked conversation) I agonized after it. Luckily it was OK but ??????
ReplyDeleteGinnie,
DeleteI know, it is sad that we have to be so cautious and fearful over such a simple social interaction.. Glad though that you got to enjoy one too. Pretty cool wasn't it?
I am so glad you were able to do that sans mask. I thank you for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteMage,
DeleteIt felt so good I had to share.
I absolutely know what you mean. When I am in the store, I feel like I need to smile at people, especially little kids who are bored to death. I hate having my face half covered by the mask but as you say, we do what we must.
ReplyDeleteBarbara,
DeleteSure do miss smiling. I have noticed now that those of us who are masked, give a quick head nod in acknowledgement. Guess that is our new smile.
Nonverbal language components have been unappreciated by many which I complained about when email became so prominent and people talked of misunderstandings. Emojis just don't address the subtle aspects as well. There's only so much smiling with our eyes from behind a facial mask we can do. Might have helped if our masks had clear plastic showing our mouths and smiles.
ReplyDelete