I will never forget when someone I know well - someone who openly acknowledges that he has lasting damage from Covid - said to me a couple of years ago, 'I know I should wear a mask but I can't stand people looking at me'.
Emma Weisblatt@Oldboatie
19h
Replying to @SteveTheBookGuy
So weird though. I know people who are fully aware of Covid damage. They still tell me they would literally rather die early than wear a mask in public. Social acceptance used to be literally essential risk to immediate survival. It’s a very very strong instinct.

Sep 25, 2026 · 11:00 AM UTC

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Sort replies: Relevant Recent Liked
Replying to @brownecfm
We’re already forgetting pandemic early lessons , masking is a population-based intervention. young, vaxxed, and healthy should still be cautious before big engagements.
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Replying to @brownecfm
Wearing an N95 reminded me of the story of young Oblio, who is banished from the kingdom of pointed heads and things for having no point Watch it and you’ll understand the point…
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Replying to @brownecfm
My household successfully made it through over 5 years of hardcore anti-mask ops. Today, no one cares if we mask, & no one stares anymore, it’s just normal. We’ve had 2 Covid infections since 2020, while the people who worried about masks have had like 7. It was worth it.
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Replying to @brownecfm
One of the best things about being female and over 50 - you become invisible so no one notices the mask (even when it is bright pink)!
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Replying to @brownecfm
A very human fear. Probably why the vast majority don’t wear masks. Plus the feeling of breathlessness.
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Replying to @brownecfm
I try not to be, but I’m over everybody who couldn’t give a toss about others. By all means, do what they want to their own health, but to take others out who can’t protect themselves, well they disappoint me thoroughly. I’ve realised how weak in character most people are.
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Replying to @brownecfm
I have a friend as well, who acknowledges the danger and admits that they're not masking because in their own words they're too 'cowardous' to not conform. At least it's honest. Fatalism to be accepted by the tribe.
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Replying to @brownecfm
Unfortunately, peer pressure about COVID can turn people into martyrs and executioners at the same time, including doctors.
Celtisbungeana2@Celtisbungeana2
Aug 20
Dear doctors who don't wear masks in healthcare settings, the few of you who know at least a grain of truth about long COVID, would you please have a look at the picture on the left? If the one on the right is news to you please read who.int/europe/event/myth-bu… first. Thank you.
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Replying to @brownecfm
If Darwin would be alive, he would be fascinated.
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Replying to @brownecfm
I'm so upset that covid revealed that the "if all your friends jumped off a cliff" adage was not factitious and in fact an accurate description of how most people behave
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Replying to @brownecfm
Emotion outweighs logic once again when it comes to masking. It's not because people are looking at the masked person with empathy and sympathy IMO it's because it's with anger, hate, mistrust, fear, hurt, a deep trauma lies underneath.
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Replying to @brownecfm
I am stared at constantly with my KN95 and I do not give a 💩. Fortunately, nobody has said anything to me ever. I am happy to mask up in risky situations and stay healthy.
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Replying to @brownecfm @fillthewhole
I think that’s why so many don’t wear masks unfortunately and even is the hospital
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Replying to @brownecfm
I still mask but I understand this 💯. I hate feeling judged, especially when I still can't find a comfortable one that passes a fit test. Further, all the "you shouldn't care what other people think" unfortunately doesn't change a feeling that's been part of me all my life.😔
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Replying to @brownecfm @Nicole_Lee_Sch
I’ve only ever had one person confront me who fled as soon as I questioned her. Love to try a flash mob of ppl wearing respirators descended onto a train… pretending they don’t know each other. I’m sure it would produce extreme nervousness in the non maskers.
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Replying to @brownecfm
That’s what it always boils down to whether people admit it or not. The people who accuse us of living in fear are actually the ones living in fear, fear of judgment and looks.
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Replying to @brownecfm
I think one way women are prepared for this is that we are frequently used to being stared at 😮‍💨.
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Replying to @brownecfm
Like others in this thread have said, this is a completely normal feeling. Whenever I wear a mask I feel it too.
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Replying to @brownecfm
I have half my immune system missing and I'm still masking. But I am expert at the Paddington angry stare. Big black eye brows and a creased forehead. In 6 years only one person challenged me - a tradie with a ute tray full of stone cutting gear. He got hammered. And appologised.
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Replying to @brownecfm
We can smirk but thats a real issue I saw someone on reddit say when they wear a flag over the mask people smile at them instead of glaring. They were american I think they wore the flag of Texas or something. That would prob work much less well in bosnia, northern ireland, etc
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Replying to @brownecfm @MamaToronto
Sadly we live in a judging society. Wanting to fit in is natural. Even if just seeing a stranger for a moment, many care about appearance. I understand this but when it comes to self preservation & protecting others, masking takes priority. 😷💉🦠
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Replying to @brownecfm @Nicole_Lee_Sch
Those of us from groups that have outsider status have developed the psychological ability to tolerate others being uncomfortable with us in public. It took many years for me to be comfortable being out as gay. Wearing a mask? NBD.
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Replying to @brownecfm
Mein Mann kriegt 1-2 Studien, Statistiken ... pro Woche von mir. Er sollte also wissen, daß Covid immer noch sehr gefährlich ist. Trotzdem will er keine Maske mehr tragen und "verhütet" nur mit Virx/NoWonder. Er muss Betablocker seit ca. 7 Mon. nach seiner 1. Infektion nehmen.
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Replying to @brownecfm @SirGireonGreedy
Humans are social beings. Especially as infants we’re completely dependent on others. The threat of being excluded from a group (that’s what I‘m reading in the inability to endure the staring) is extremely powerful. Masking requires strength and/or a strong social position.
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Replying to @brownecfm
Though it wasn't fun at the time, I'm grateful I grew up in a family of "oddballs". Toughened me up & also instilled an appreciation for non-conformists who, for the most part, exhibit greater empathy
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Replying to @brownecfm
I would never go without a mask, but I appreciate his honesty.
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Replying to @brownecfm
I wear my FFP2 with pride. I had it on in the cinema last Wednesday.
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Replying to @brownecfm
My coworker didnt want the windows open at work, said she'd rather catch covid than feel the cold. She retired early with ill health 🤷‍♀️
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Replying to @brownecfm
One of my good friends told me a couple years back that he had Long Covid, after I talked about how many people were suffering from it Back then he had lost 20% of his smell... Two years later he told me he was at 80% now. And he just brushed it off like it was just part of life
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Replying to @brownecfm
I know some people like that too. The fact that many of the most vocal maskers have a tendancy to link it to their political stance doesn't help. My mask says nothing of where I stand on whatever pllitical pet cause. It's just me protecting myself and my family.
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Replying to @brownecfm
Why would anyone wear a mask ever?
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Replying to @brownecfm
Unbelievable…
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Replying to @brownecfm
More Clot Shots will fix it-boost up Vaxtards
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