The Midlife

I broke up with my masks, at least temporarily.

A couple of weeks ago, I decided I wouldn’t wear a mask anymore. Despite the news outlets warning about tripledemic tendencies, I am rolling the dice and taking a chance my boosted and flu shot-self will be spared of any illness. Masks and I are on a break. However, here are my revelations about masking up.

1. As I wait out the next few months to confirm if I am officially in menopause, in the meantime I’m still an official Sweaty Betty. If removing this extra layer from my face gives me a drier upper lip and more access to oxygen, then let it be.
2. While I am most certainly better looking with half of my face covered, I’m ready to show the world how my face has aged over the past couple of years. She ready.
3. I’m a makeup wearer. All of my lipsticks and lip glosses are pretty pissed off at me because they’ve been locked in drawers, mostly unused, for too long. Maybe she’s born with it? I know I’m not.
4. Masks have been glorious, though, when it comes to disguising my astonished look in the occasional meeting. Am I laughing, frowning, or muttering under my breath? Only my masks know the truth. They are the equivalent of attending Zoom meetings off camera and off mic. #Zoomface
5. While my masks at work are pretty bland looking, I’m impressed by the fashion forward mask wearers sporting ones with cool sayings and their bedazzled designs. #iamlazy
6. Until we meet again, my beloved Masks. I thank you for your service and your dedication. The first sign of a nose sniffle or sore throat, I’ll be pulling you close. I promise.