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Tonight, I’d like to have a word or two with the people who, until recently considered that their basic rights were stolen from them, by masks being mandatory in public places…

First of all, know that last saturday, I was very happy for you all. Although still mandatory in public transport and healthcare buildings, you were freed from wearing the mask in most places. Good for you!

I could easily be sarcastic about this.

I could think back to the many times you annoyed me beyond reason, with your complaints about just wearing a piece of clothing on your face.  I did understand the people who had to work long days with that burden, but for all of you who only had to respect the rule to go shopping, or do short activities, I didn’t get what all the fuss was about.

But we’re all different, right? And what doesn’t bother me can very well bother you. And I shouldn’t judge that.

So yes, I am sincerely glad for you all.

You waited a very long time to get back your ”lost” freedom. And God, did we hear you out for months…

Today, I am asking you to practice what you preach.

When you were fighting to have the mandates lifted, you claimed that you just wanted Canadian rights to be respected. One of these rights, is to be allowed to keep wearing masks, for any reason one (me) might consider reasonable.

So, no matter how much my mask might offend you (I can’t see why it would, but then again, I didn’t really understand why it was bothering you in the first place, so I guess we’re even), please repress the need to passive-aggressively remind me that I don’t have to wear it anymore.

I know. I don’t live under a rock.

I choose to keep it on for the moment. And you might think that you’re trying to bring awareness my way, but I don’t need to be enlightened.

I’ve lived covid-free for over two years now, and I intend to keep it that way.

And if you’re thinking that people like you just wouldn’t pressure people into dropping the face mask, here’s what happened to me when I got to work today.

Just to put you in context…. I’ve been working for the same company for 12 years. And the day-time security guard has known me for several years before the pandemic.

So, I walk in. Mask on.

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Security guard – You look ugly with your mask.

Me – I don’t care… I look ugly without it too!

Security guard (waving his hand around his face) – You don’t have to wear that anymore…

Me – I know, but I’m still allowed to…

Security guard – …

Me – And I am the only threat when it comes to letting covid get into our home. (Chéri is still working from home all week long, while I have to show up at the office once a week. And should I remind you that Chéri suffers from an auto-immune disease?).

Security guard – Oh yeah… That makes sense.

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This brief conversation might not seem significant. And it won’t stop me from wearing protection until I feel safe enough not to do it anymore. But I know people who feel like me, and that are more sensible to comments like that.

And as much as I am genuinely happy for you, you shouldn’t pressure people who don’t think like you to act like you do.

A right is a right.

I respect yours. Respect ours too!