I'm in Washington state, and I do a bit of reselling. So I go to thrift shops and such. Tonight at goodwill I was approached by the manager and told that I'm required to wear a mask if I want to shop here. I said "Are you asking me to leave?" She told me that if I was going to be quick I could finish, but started going on about how it's been a year and a half and that everyone should know by now. I said I know its been a year and a half and we're done with the games. I told her no one else has said anything to us anywhere else. She again started going on about how that's because they're bigger stores (not true) and they're a smaller store so it's easier for them to notice, losing patience in her voice. So I told her Im not going to argue with her and turned around and ended up just buying the few things I'd picked up and we left.
I know I shouldn't have given them money, but its my own livelihood at stake as well if I'm forfeiting over profits to protest their store.
Other than that, does anyone have any additional advice on how I should handle situations like this going forward? I'm sick to my stomach. Getting told to leave a store for not complying with tyranny. In the United States of America. Genuinely feel bad right now. I feel anger and sadness.
Thank you very much, I appreciate it! Helps to get some support and advice from likeminded people.
Edit: God bless you, as well!