I have never put on a mask since all this started. Ever. I live in a pretty conservative town in a blue state. Not a single store in town has ever hassled me much about masks. So yeah, getting told I wasn't welcome at a store over a mask was a bit of a shock. First time I've been "kicked out" ever.
Not gonna lie, it bothered way more than I thought it would. Haven't been able to stop replaying the incident in my head since. I had just been able to build up enough confidence knowing I could walk into any store without fear of being humiliated. That's gone now. How do you all manage this kinda stuff? I've written corporate a message, but I'm pretty sure I'll just get a canned response. This thing has got me BUMMED out, man. Like.. bad. Makes me want to never leave the house again.
Anyway, sorry for the weird post but I don't really have many friends or family to talk to about this stuff. Thanks for reading.
Thick skin is your friend and all you did is grow yours a few layers thicker. It will get easier. This is how you will wear it with pride; understand that absolutely every human who has walked this earth worth their salt has endured the same. You are simply following in the footsteps of the 'greats'. Now, go out there and do it again, knowing you will survive if it happens again...and others just might take courage from you and rise up and do the same.