8 x situations in which we secretly miss our face mask

Of course, I am very happy that the mask mandate is over. Especially on days when I wear my glasses, because combined with that piece of fabric, it was quite difficult to peek through those foggy lenses. But there are also moments when I secretly miss the mask a little bit. I wouldn't want to go back to this measure for anything, but in the following situations, it actually came in quite handy.

1. When we are in a hurry

Thanks to the mask, we could maneuver through life quite incognito for a long time. This was also the case in the supermarket or other stores, where quick visits were made possible because you didn't have to engage in long conversations with acquaintances. Mask on, cap on, and quickly in and out; I secretly miss that. Now I find conversations in the supermarket the worst thing ever, so I would advocate for us all to decide to abandon this form of politeness.

2. When we are hungover

On hungover days, I have been very grateful for the mask for various reasons. Firstly, because on such days I don't want to engage in conversation with anyone, the mask contributed to the distant ‘leave-me-alone look’, complete with sunglasses. Additionally, you could hide half of your disheveled hungover face behind this piece of fabric, and that was quite nice too.

3. When we have just had a peel

After a chemical peel, you really don't want to run into anyone. For this reason, the mask was ideal: hood up and you could cycle home carefree, without your red face standing out too much. Recently, I had another peel done and I was so glad that I still had a mask in my jacket pocket. The girl from the beauty clinic kindly pointed out that I didn't need to wear it anymore, but I thought it was really a better idea for the way back. The same goes for when you've just had your mustache waxed: the mask was also ideal for that. I actually think it's a good idea to keep a few masks on hand for these kinds of situations. You can always say that you have complaints and therefore are extremely cautious.

4. When we have to go to the STD clinic

Well, if you want to be incognito anywhere, it's here. Especially when you claim to have been born in 1997 so you can get a free test. Then you have to go through all the details with a staff member at the counter, and I can tell you: you really miss that mask, you know.

5. When we are cold

If I was very cold, I would keep my mask on while cycling. Sometimes I miss the feeling of warm air warming up my cheeks as I breathe out.

6. When we sleep with our mouths open

Currently, the mask mandate on airplanes is still in effect, but I assume there will come a day when this is no longer necessary. All the people who sleep with their mouths open will then be fully exposed. And yes, I belong to this group of people. By the way, it's also a handy catchment for people who drool in their sleep. I don't belong to this group, though.

7. When we have blemishes

This also applies to a cold sore and/or all other nuisances that can occur around your mouth and nose. Although the mask itself was also a contributor to this, I believe it even had an official term: maskne. Okay, we absolutely do not miss maskne.

8. When we want to hide our emotions

Sometimes you have those days when you just want to cry. When you finally pull yourself together and go outside, you prefer not to have people ask: ‘Are you okay?’, because then you end up right back in yet another mental breakdown. The mask was a nice way to hide your emotions from the outside world. A good bit of acting is now required again.