Well, i took a step towards rejoining society this weekend. I went to a dance weekend. It was about 70 people plus staff. Everyone had to test for covid (rapid tests) ever day, including before arriving. But masks were optional on the dance floor, and only about 20% of dancers wore them. I also ate in the same hall as everyone else, at a table set apart a little, with the same six people at every meal. So, like going to a restaurant that’s not super-crowed and eating at the table, something i haven’t done since the pandemic began. Obviously, no one wore masks while eating.
I had a blast. It was enough fun that i won’t regret it if i end up with a mild case of covid.
There was one guy who wore a cloth mask below his nose. I found it surprisingly disconcerting. There were all these people around him with no masks at all, but his crappy, badly-with mask distressed me much more than their naked faces.
It annoys me so much when people keep conflating “introvert” with “antisocial.” We introverts are NOT antisocial, nor are we shy. As a matter of fact, we enjoy meeting people, going to parties, etc. The part that–for some reason–confuses people is that we enjoy such things only at a much, much lower rate than society says we “should” enjoy them.
Well, anyone who is any flavor of non-extravert is viewed with contempt, pity, and/or bewilderment in this society, the most external and shallow in the history of the world. Whether you are shy, sensitive, contemplative, or simply like being alone a lot, you are labeled defective. It would be interesting to live in a society where people who could not tolerate a lack of constant interaction with other humans were seen as pitiable.
I’m a true introvert (and not shy at all) who grew up in a loud numerous boisterous family of extraverts. I know all about it.
Over the weekend, I attended my (previously) standard Sat morning music jam. We’ve been playing masked for the past few months. This time, 4 of us (all vaxxed/boosted) unmasked in a coffee shop. The coffee shop was more crowded than it had been so far this year. Not a mask in sight. I felt entirely comfortable and not at risk.
Sun we went to a talk at a local museum. 25 people total. Masks optional. Probably 3/4 of the audience was masked - speaker was unmasked. Wife and I were unmasked. Again, I felt fine with our choice. Was fine with other people choosing to mask, but didn’t feel that required me to.
Right now, I think the times/places that I will wear a mask are rapidly becoming quite few and far between.
In Washington State, we’re still required to wear masks in stores, etc. I think the requirement ends next week. I’ll wear one where it is required or requested by the establishment, but that’s it. I’ve had COVID, and I’ve had the booster. Any marginal benefit I get from masking I’m willing to forgo.
Sure - I’ll mask if required/requested. But barring that, my personal thought would likely depend on number/proximity/duration of contact w/ others.
We have tickets for a long-postponed concert first weekend in April. I could imagine being comfortable wearing a mask in that instance, but that is a long way off.
I finally got to see my first concert (indoor) since 2019. Last minute buy of a Wet Leg ticket on Friday. Great to see some live music again. Covid cards were checked at the door, but the show was unmasked (maybe 5-10% of guests wore masks.)
We’ve rejoined about as much as we’re comfortable: the very occasional get together with a small handful of vaxed friends, and I’ve started doing the grocery shopping in person (saves money, AND gets me more exercise).
No movies, concerts etc just yet.
We’re somewhat nervously anticipating a trip coming up in about 6 weeks: cross-country by train, then meeting with a group of friends from all over. That’ll be the riskiest thing we’ve done in 2 years.
That’s about when my trip to Alaska with a big group is supposed to happen. I hope it comes together, it’s been more than 3 years now since my last proper vacation.
Of course, this weekend, a friend tested positive, so now I’m worried. This stuff is still out there. I’ve started a new diet this week that precludes going out to eat or drink anywhere, so I might just go hermit until I get on the plane…
Indeed.We cancelled our Caribbean vacation due to Omicron shutting things down. We are now faced with “use it or lose it” so we are heading to St Martin for two weeks this Friday. Unless something happens.
But, I’m currently waiting to be tested for a condition that will require me to take immunosuppressants at pretty high doses for a while. I’ll have to talk to my doctor about it, but I think I’ll be masking in public for a long time still.
I spent several hours yesterday submitting documents to Sint Maarten’s Ministry of Health, in anticipation of our trip this weekend. At this point we have permission to land at the airport, at which point immigration will reconsider us. I’ve had two doses of Pfizer as well as two boosters of Pfizer. (I’m the most vaccinated person I know)
The cautious approach by the island is because the US is considered at high risk.
