Covid-19 did a number. From the death toll to the stresses that came from being inside our own heads and from being inside our homes for a year now, it would be strenuous to detail exactly the hardships the pandemic brought upon us. However, dare I say one enjoyable aspect of this adversity has been wearing masks.

Masks make me feel free. It’s as though I have been hounded by paparazzi all my life and now I’m afforded to be in any space I please. The irony of the joy masks bring me is how awful some feel about wearing them. I understand there were daytime and nighttime segments of the news cycle dedicated to the complaints of wearing masks. The details from the lives of Diane or Josh being suffocated by masks. And then there was me. Grinning from ear to ear every time someone walks by me, but then realizing a moment later the uselessness of my smiles. I know how to smile with my eyes, I’ve had practice. Lots and lots of practice. But I want to smile with my mask on because I can feel its presence against my face. Shielding me. Protecting me. It’s a natural addition to my hijab.

Social distancing has been great when I’m around complete strangers but the inability to visit family is of course very difficult to go through. Whether it’s at a Starbucks line or on my morning walks, my mask refuses to let me down. At this point in time the mask mandate is relaxed in many areas of the country and around the world, but the pandemic is still a real threat to those most vulnerable.

Now the key to enjoying your mask experience is actually having the right type of mask. It has to be breathable and disposable for maximum comfort. I love to double up my masks, one disposable and a floral cloth one on top if I want to add color to my outfit. When I don’t need a mask, for example in an open area with adequate distancing, then I don’t insist on wearing it. However, if I’m in a space where folks are in closer proximity than normal, I’m masked-up all the way. 

Though it’s not for everyone, I’ll be wearing masks for the foreseeable future. They have been an unexpected nice addition to my attire since early 2020.