So, B.C. has lifted the mask mandate and all the freedom lovers have doffed their masks.
Congratulations.
I am, however, still wearing my mask when I go into indoor public settings. That’s my choice to protect my health and the health of others. I respect your choice and have no issue with people who are now allowed to go maskless even if I really disagree with provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
But that’s not good enough for some people.
I was at Metropolis at Metrotown Friday waiting in line to pay for something when a dude asked me why I was still wearing a mask. He asked the question with one of those poop-eating grins on his face instead of someone who really wanted to know and was interested in hearing other perspectives.
Bad idea. I’m in no mood for smarmy dudes trying to do a “gotcha” moment after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Mind your own business,” I said politely, but with a death stare that would make Steven Seagal freeze in his tracks.
I hope he would get the message and move on, but I had no such luck. Instead, he started talking at me about how we didn’t have to wear them anymore – thanks Capt. Obvious – and wondering aloud why people are still “so scared” and blah, blah, blah.
For one thing, I’m not scared of COVID-19. I’m triple-vaccinated and just being cautious because why not. It’s only a few minutes in a mall, no big deal. I can handle a mask for that long, unlike some babies.
I did my best to ignore him, paying my money at the till and then wandering away.
I thought that would be the end of it, but no. A minute later as I was walking to the mall exit, I heard, “Hey, diaper face.”
It was the same guy and now he was apparently stalking me. At this moment, a person has to make a decision. Do I just ignore it or do I engage, potentially triggering a confrontation that’s worse than some clown stalking me.
I decided to just keep on walking out of the mall. Sadly, the dude followed me into the parking lot, still asking me why I would wear a mask when I didn’t have to.
That’s when I turned around and started walking very fast right at the guy, making serious eye contact. I didn’t say anything, but I didn’t have to. He got the message and moved on.
Seriously, folks, if you don’t want to wear the mask then don’t, but don’t ask others why they are still doing it.
Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.
