I had my first encounter of the year with an anti-masker today while I was on my walk. I saw this older gentleman walking opposite me. I put my mask on* and stepped into the street seeing as he didn’t have his and didn’t want him to go out of his way to move. I was also talking to my friend on the phone during this bit.
He stopped in the middle of the crosswalk and just stared at me. He turned to walk down the neighborhood and then stopped, turned back around, and started pointing at me.
“You don’t need to wear that thing around me! I have no fear!”
I slowed my pace and continued my walk while I stared at him. I made sure eye contact was made. I didn’t say a word. I just looked at him with wide eyes and thought, “Okay old man, go home and take your pills.” (That wasn’t my first thought — my dark humor kicked in before I could even blink)
He stood there waiting for my response. I started to tell my friend about the weird encounter and then I was rudely interrupted, again.
“Seriously! Pull down your mask! I like to see smiles and expressions! I can’t see none of that if you have that thing on your face! I have no fear!”
I nodded his way to acknowledge what he had said, and yet I hoped he would also get the passive-aggressive energy of the said nod of, “Okay old man, I get it, you think it’s a joke and don’t understand that you’re the punchline.” (See? Dark humor)
Anyway, I ignored him and continued on my way.
I’m sure he’s at his home soaking in Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity while holding a Bible and yelling toward the ceiling, “DAMN YOU MILLENNIALS FOR TAKING MY FREEDOM! MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON YOUR SOUL!”
*I think everybody should have a mask on them while walking/running. I understand it’s outside, but just wear it when you see somebody coming in your direction. It’s not that hard — especially seeing how you can’t socially distance on a sidewalk unless you walk in the street.