This was back on Good Friday (haven't had time until now to post my experience), to buy food for Easter Sunday. I sat in my car before I went in, determined not to wear a mask again, said a prayer to God asking for strength, and for St. Michael the Archangel to defend me against the "mask Nazis and any demons inside these people." I'm just a young woman so of course I was scared of getting harassed and even physically pushed around for not wearing a mask. I told myself "Hold your head high, don't look down, don't appear meek and timid, stay strong, hold your ground..."
I walked in and immediately was greeted by a worker. He wore a mask but he said "Hello" very cheerfully. I was a little taken aback that he said anything to me so I quickly said "Hi" and walked on. Came across A LOT of workers in there (more than usual, they were restocking), all wearing masks and NONE said anything to me about putting on a mask; rather, they were all VERY cheerful and VERY nice. Nicer than when I USED to wear a mask. I smiled at every opportunity, but my legs and shoulders were shaking in fear. I was terrified either a worker or some mask-Nazi-Karen would stop and accost me, but not even other customers seemed to care. I was the only one not wearing a mask.
I got to the checkout and was expecting the cashier to say something about me not wearing a mask, but she was EXTREMELY polite and VERY cheery. I smiled a lot! I think that helped! We happily talked about Easter and the nice weather, etc. And she was so nice to me without my mask that I knew right then that not wearing a mask, people being able to see your face, see your smile, makes them INSTANTLY connect with you and like you (except for mask-Nazis of course, but I'm speaking of generally normal people). I left and heaved a sigh of relief and thanked God that I got out of there without problems.
My next place to experiment this will be Walmart, but I've already seen people walk in and around the store without masks and nobody says anything to them, so I have high hopes for that. I'll post my experience the next time I go there.
TLDR: Didn't wear a mask into grocery store, the workers were SUPER nice to me and didn't say anything about wearing a mask! Have hope! If you try this at your grocery store, smile a lot, it really helps!
I haven’t worn a mask in WM in 6 months. I don’t even think about it. Honestly, I don’t wear a mask ANYWHERE, except the dentist because they make me.
Granted, I’m in Texas. Our “mandate” was lifted in March, but there seems to be just as many still wearing them. Never been confronted - but I also have a “I give zero fucks” attitude. I am pleasant with the employees and they are pleasant with me.
Had to run to WM today and my husband was with me. As we were walking out, he said that we were the only ones in there without a mask. I simply did not even notice.
If you are ever confronted by a Karen, simply ask them if their mask protects you or them. If they say “you”, thank them and move on. If they say “them”, then tell they should be fine. Either way, they can’t win the argument.
That's a good point about the Karens, I'll remember that, thank you!