I don’t like wearing a mask.
I don’t like not being able to see people’s expressions. I don’t like people not being able to see my expressions.
As I walked into the grocery store this morning, I tried to smile my thanks to someone. But the mask blocks everything.
The kind woman who helped me find celery? Foiled again: she can’t see my face.
The couple we tried to pass politely? A nod with the head has to suffice.
Eventually, it hits me: if all they can see of my face is my eyes, then I best start to communicate better with my eyes.
I took a few seconds more and started looking at people directly in their eyes, trying hard to convey sincerity.
Remembering to connect with someone as a human? A good silver lining for today!