Picture a typical outing to Target. Imagine the coughing children, the sniffles, and the general messiness of humanity. Visualize those tiny particles being exhaled into the air—and the thought of inhaling them, especially in cold and flu season, is downright unsettling. Words like “secretion” and “moist” come to mind, and honestly, I adore my mask so much that I might just keep wearing it even after the pandemic is over.
Makeup Just Became Simpler
A few days ago, my nine-year-old son questioned my makeup routine. “Mom, why are you bothering? No one’s going to see it.” Well, kiddo, I love makeup, so I’ll wear it if I want to, mask or not. Although he has a point—what’s the use of lipstick? If I’m indoors, people will only see my eyes anyway. Thankfully, I’ve mastered a smokey eye look and keep my skin moisturized, which helps with those pesky fine lines. And let’s be honest, my mask covers the worst of my dark circles. It’s like I’ve discovered the ultimate concealer: a cloth face covering.
Or I can just throw on my Jackie O sunglasses and channel my inner starlet. I could be anyone behind that mask—Paris Hilton or Betty White—and no one would know the difference. The mask gives me options: I can go all out with makeup or keep it simple.
My Mask Protects Against More Than Just COVID-19
Did you know that this past flu season has been remarkably mild? According to Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt, flu cases have hit “record-setting lows.” Yes, social distancing, hand washing, and staying home when sick contribute to this decline. But since influenza spreads through respiratory droplets, just like COVID-19, my mask is likely keeping me safe from the flu too.
I haven’t caught a cold this winter. Sure, I’ve been going out less and sanitizing more, but I’m ready to embrace my new persona as the Crazy Hand Sanitizer Lady—collecting various scented bottles like they’re Pokémon. While those sanitizers are great, my mask is my primary defense against airborne germs.
In essence, I don’t want to breathe in your germs. Can I really go back to casually inhaling grocery store air? My mask protects me from the worst of others’ droplets. Plus, I can coordinate my masks with my outfits.
But I Won’t Be Masked All the Time
After the pandemic, I plan to wear my mask nearly every time I step outside. I might skip it for the Starbucks drive-thru, though—who knows what viruses that barista might be spreading? But I’m not about to become a hermit, either. Hanging out with friends at the pool in summer? No mask needed. Meeting indoors in winter? I might keep it on unless I’m sipping coffee. During cold and flu season, my mask will definitely stay on. And while I won’t wear it hiking, I might throw one on if I stop at a gas station.
I’ll need a good setting spray for my makeup since it tends to smudge around my nose area, but that’s a small price to pay. My kids will likely join me in wearing masks; they shouldn’t have to breathe in anyone else’s germs either. After all, if they catch a cold or flu, they’ll bring it home to me.
So, when the pandemic finally wraps up, my mask isn’t going anywhere. I’ll keep wearing it indoors and during cold and flu season. The pandemic has certainly made me a bit more cautious, and now I just prefer to avoid those nasty respiratory droplets. Plus, I can shop at Target looking like a ninja—goodbye to half my face!
For more insights on home insemination, check out this blog post, or explore this resource for valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination. If you’re interested in at-home solutions, visit Make a Mom’s artificial insemination kit for comprehensive options.
Summary
The article reflects on the author’s experience with mask-wearing during the pandemic, highlighting the benefits and newfound appreciation for masks. It humorously discusses makeup routines, the protection masks offer against various illnesses, and the likelihood of continuing to wear masks even post-pandemic. The author concludes that masks will remain a staple for indoor settings and during cold and flu seasons, emphasizing a desire to avoid germs and respiratory droplets.
Keyphrase: mask-wearing after the pandemic
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]