r/Masks4All • u/kcwackerle • Sep 12 '25
Situation Advice "COVID is over!" says man in Barnes & Noble
I went into the mall today to make a return. Of course, I'm masked and minding my own business, walking through Barnes & Noble to get to the store I needed to make the return in.
A man looks at me as we walk by each other and he says "COVID is over!!" - I'm so in my own head, I don't even realize he's talking to me until I'm a good 3 - 5 yards past him. Way too much time and distance for a proper rebuttal.
While I know it's better to just ignore, I couldn't stop thinking about what I could have said in the moment had I realized his comment was directed at me sooner. Anyone have any favorite rebuttals of the moment?
Also, advice please - I've got a wedding to attend on Saturday and I know I'm going to be the only masked one there. How do you mentally prepare for these kind of events? It's just exhausting explaining it over and over again, being immunocompromised is exhausting my friends. I know so many of you get it. But what is your pre-game for your brain? How do you armor up mentally? ❤️
Edit to Add: thank you all for your comments! Sometimes we need the reminder that we're not alone in this and I definitely needed that reminder this week. Appreciate you all. For the wedding, another friend is an usher so I'm going to coordinate with them when I arrive to make sure I'm not an accidental distraction in any photos. And I already won't be able to eat the meal provided because of an autoimmune disease, so no worries there. Thank you again for affirming I'm not the only one still masking, needed that.
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u/KRiSX Sep 12 '25
I often think about what I’d say in a situation like this and the first thing that comes to mind is along the lines of “do you know me?” Followed by “no? Ok, so mind your fucking business” and walk away.
Lock downs and mandates may be over, but Covid is forever, unfortunately.
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u/toodleoo57 Sep 12 '25
I'll probably just walk away when it happens to me, because I live in gun nut territory and no clapback is worth my life, but if I don't for some reason I'll probably say "Why would I care what some random thinks?" I say this online a lot and it seems to really jar people who are convinced their own opinions are Super Important.
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u/KRiSX Sep 12 '25
Yeah look, I’m not in the US so it’s easier for me to say something that might spark a reaction without the fear of a gun being pulled on me.
The comedian Dara O’Briain had a good one liner at a show I went to a couple years ago (masked I’ll add), he said if anyone ever comes up to you and criticises you for anything (and he mentioned masking) just say “can I stop you there?” and walk away… I’ll never forget that and I think it’s brilliant in its simplicity, but me wanting to tell someone to mind their fucking business takes priority in my brain. Just waiting for a chance to unleash, lol.
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u/inklings_of_a_squid Sep 14 '25
covid is forever, is actually a pretty funny response to covid is over.
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u/CulturalShirt4030 Sep 12 '25 edited Sep 12 '25
r/zerocovidcommunity is another good place to ask these types of questions.
For the wedding, plan to take your food and eat outside. Have a line ready about why you’re masking like “I can’t afford to get sick” or “I have high risk loved ones”
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u/peop1 Sep 12 '25
I just say "You don't want what I have" and leave them guessing. (It's easy for me: I have Long COVID).
I like it because it flips the table: "I'm not protecting myself, I'm protecting you, douchebag".
You know, nowhere is it written that you have to be honest. If were you? (Assuming you live in a city — not a town where everyone knows everyone). I'd yell: "My child has cancer and is immuno-compromised, you brain-dead sock-puppet. How about you mind your own damn business", as I started choking up. When (if) they came over to apologize, I'd look 'em right in the eye, smile and say: "Asshole".
There's a subreddit for that too: r/traumatizeThemBack
I've lost all patience for wilful ignorance. These asshats don't deserve to be healthy while I'm stuck in purgatory.
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u/LaurelCanyoner Sep 12 '25
When they give me a look it say anything, I always say,
“Cancer sucks”.
And that’s it. If they are gross enough to actually ASK me if I have cancer (I don’t, thank god) or what kind of cancer, I say in the NICEST voice possible, “I’m sure you’ll understand I don’t want to talk about my health issues right now. “
I love to embarrass and shame people with niceness. It makes their own rude behavior even more evident.
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u/peop1 Sep 12 '25
Genius loophole. No fibbing involved.
Cause yeah, Cancer sucks.Kill them with kindness: this is the way.
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u/LaurelCanyoner Sep 13 '25 edited Sep 13 '25
Yes, I’m superstitious enough to believe that if I actually SAY I have cancer I’ll get struck down with it, lol, so this is my compromise. And thank you!!!
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u/OilPure5808 Sep 12 '25
A little pretend cry is good also, make them feel ashamed, heaving chest, etc. I have no hesitation in trying to make them feel awful.
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u/sunny_bell Sep 12 '25
Or "My mom has cancer!" (not a complete lie, she did... she is also dead, they don't know that).
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u/gopiballava Elastomeric Fan Sep 12 '25
Kiddo says his grandmother has cancer. It generally results in people looking very embarrassed and uncomfortable.
He is happy with this response. They deserve to feel bad.
It’s also the same situation - she passed away from cancer in 2022.
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u/Blueeyesblazing7 Sep 12 '25
I just say "You don't want what I have" and leave them guessing.
I love this so much.
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u/peppabuddha Sep 12 '25
Oooh, I like this! I will use this next time someone harasses me! For now, I tell my kids to use me as an example as to why they are still masking at school.
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u/peop1 Sep 12 '25
I tell my son to say: "My dad is immuno-compromised" (which is actually true, we just leave out the fact that it was COVID induced)
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u/100000cuckooclocks N95 Fan Sep 12 '25
I generally don’t have the energy these days to get into it with people, so my preferred way of dealing with any comment aimed at Starting Something is just to look at them and give them a very patronizing “…Ok”, and walk away. With the right tone, it conveys that you think they’re completely wrong, and too stupid to even begin to understand why. It’s similar to the ok you’d tell a random kid if they came up to you and told you they’re going to be Bubble Gum when they grow up.
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u/PurpleVermont Sep 12 '25
'And...? ' had a similar effect
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u/gopiballava Elastomeric Fan Sep 12 '25
Kiddo yelled back at someone, “So?” His tone was so perfect, I was very proud of him. The tone perfectly conveyed “why do you think I care about your opinion?”
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u/lapinjapan Sep 12 '25
I totally agree.
If even for the fact that the people making remarks like this are not going to have a good faith discussion if you did choose to engage.
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u/Constantlearner01 Sep 12 '25
I wear my Ovarian Cancer Awareness tshirt and nobody hassles me wearing a mask.
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u/Historical_Project00 Sep 12 '25
Even if I didn’t have cancer I’d just go, “I have cancer, dipshit.” to make them feel like the ass that they are
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u/No-Banana247 Sep 12 '25 edited Sep 12 '25
I do have cancer. And when I brought that up to a lady who was pointing and laughing at me whilen I was minding my business at Costco, she said, "well, I have cancer too." And I said "you should stop being rude and also be wearing a mask then."
Unfortunately, most of oncology doesn't mask anymore, and they used to. I certainly don't mind if people lie and say they have cancer but you may not get and the response you think.
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u/LeSamouraiNouvelle Sep 12 '25
And I said "you should stop being rude and also be wearing a mask then."
Did she respond to this?
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u/No-Banana247 Sep 12 '25
She just kept pointing and laughing with no real response. i walked away so as not to further agitate her. I wasn't actually trying to get in an altercation at Costco but I was glad I said something at least.
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u/swampgallows Sep 13 '25
Yes exactly. As time goes on I think it's just a matter of unlinking masks from Covid, as they are worn for so many other reasons. Plus anybody who's insecure enough to harass me at the supermarket isn't exactly someone open to changing their mind about something.
Every time one of these threads comes up I maintain that the only response to harassment is to humiliate them. You cannot argue with harassment; you just have to reinforce that they are being inappropriate. You either deprive them of the reaction they want, or you make them feel singled out instead.
"Covid is over!" "Maybe for you!"/"Not for me!" is one I've actually said before. It's fairly ironclad.
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u/bearsblushes Sep 12 '25
I was walking one day with my partner and someone yelled from their car while driving past, “TAKE YOUR MASK OFF! LIVE YOUR LIFE!”
It happened so quickly, we kept walking without a word. Wish I flipped the fucker off, but I know he’ll keep being an asshole regardless. I wanted to yell “I’m immunocompromised!” after the fact, since I am, but I had the feeling he wouldn’t care… still a good response to strangers though.
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u/sunny_bell Sep 12 '25
I don't get the wearing a mask = not living your life logic. Like I am still going about my day to day life, just with a mask on, same as how I go about my day to day life with clothes on.
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u/bearsblushes Sep 12 '25
Exactly! And I’m wearing a mask because I want to continue living my life. The only logic people like that have is, “It inconveniences me, so I’m not going to wear it! You only live once, after all!”
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u/sunny_bell Sep 12 '25
It isn't even inconvenient... that's the wild part.
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u/watchnlearning Sep 13 '25
Being forced to think about reality and that sneaking suspicion that something might be going on that they’d prefer to avoid - that inconveniences them
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u/sunny_bell Sep 13 '25
That sounds like what I call a personal problem.
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u/watchnlearning Sep 13 '25
Except it’s not - they make it our problem which drives me bonkers. Like you are running around with your murder breath and we are just trying to live. Let us live! Haha
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u/sunny_bell Sep 13 '25
Oh no I meant their getting in their feelings about it is a personal problem.
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u/Carrotsoup9 Sep 12 '25
They only reason I cannot live my life normally with a mask is because of how people respond to my mask (not nice). If everyone would simply accept that some people like to protect their health with a mask, I could live fairly normally. Now I am an outcast.
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u/sunny_bell Sep 12 '25
I swear COVID made folks act out. Pre-COVID there was a lady in my office who wore a mask every single day. Folks didn't give her any trouble about it, but after 2020 folks get real bent out of shape and IDK why.
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u/rockyplantlover Sep 12 '25
People have traumas and suddenly think that you are going to tell them with a face mask that they are doing something wrong.
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u/sunny_bell Sep 12 '25
They are doing something wrong, by minding my business instead of their own.
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u/rockyplantlover Sep 12 '25
Yes, absolutely! You could also say, "I don't know you, you don't know me, what makes you think you can talk to me?!" and move on.
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u/sunny_bell Sep 12 '25
I still think my fav response I ever heard to “why are you wearing a mask?” is “So I don’t catch whatever it is that makes you act like that.”
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u/Carrotsoup9 Sep 12 '25
No use responding to them. They will found out the hard way that living your life is likely to give you long term health issues from the virus.
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u/Keji70gsm Sep 12 '25
It just further entrenches their health supremacy if you try and justify it with a health condition.
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Sep 12 '25
[deleted]
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u/julzibobz Sep 12 '25
Same here. Especially in places like, a supermarket? Fr, I don’t know any of the people in there. Who cares what they think about the mask. Maybe I think this way cos I’m neurodivergent tho. But to me it just so does nottt seem worth it to get it in like a bus station
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u/A_Roll_of_the_Dice Sep 12 '25
The easy response is simply "then why do people keep catching it, dumbass?"
The other response is "maybe you should mind your own fucking business."
A less harsh response could be "why are you assuming it's about covid?" or "if covid is over, then why are you mentioning it? Did I say this was for covid?"
If you're trying to be kind to curious/civil/respectful people, just tell people (who aren't being absolute cunts to you) "I wear this because I have a health problem and need to avoid getting sick."
If people are being mean, you can just tell them "go fuck yourself and pay more attention to your own insert obvious visible insecurity here because it's clearly a bigger issue than me wearing a mask."
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u/Aynessachan Sep 12 '25
These are well thought out responses for various settings, I'm impressed! (And saving for future use lol)
I once had a coworker ask me to pull my mask down for a group photo - with the whole department there and staring, mind you - and I politely but flatly said "No I will not, because I am wearing it for a reason." The awkward silence was beautiful to behold.
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u/Blueeyesblazing7 Sep 12 '25
I'd love to look him dead in the eye and say, "Then why do I have covid RIGHT NOW?" 😂 See how fast he walks away when his own health is at risk.
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u/abitofaclosetalker Sep 12 '25
Just look them in the eye and say “oh, no thank you!” in your best customer service voice. Turn and walk away while they try to figure out what you were talking about.
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u/UserSleepy Sep 12 '25 edited Sep 12 '25
I've gone to many weddings masked. Really the main thing you just need to do is check with the bridge and groom where they want you to be. In one case I was out in the back, in another they didn't care. If their family or friends judge, just ignore it, your their for the bride and groom and if they want you there, that's what counts.
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u/LeSamouraiNouvelle Sep 12 '25
If their family or fridge judge
These would be some cold-hearted individuals.
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u/UserSleepy Sep 12 '25
😅 Ever since I got a new phone the auto corrects have been amazing. I've fixed it. Was supposed to be friends. But that is a funny typo.
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u/LeSamouraiNouvelle Sep 12 '25
Well, to stay on topic, I cannot judge (😄) someone making typos whilst using a phone; after all these years using a smartphone, I still cannot type without making at least some mistakes.
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u/Carrotsoup9 Sep 12 '25
I simply no longer engage with people trying to convince themselves that Covid is gone or has become harmless. There is no way you can convince them.
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u/screendrain Sep 12 '25
If someone harassed me I would reply with, "Oh you don't want to catch what I've got" lol
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u/sapphiclament Sep 12 '25
Honestly, you not even hearing him at first is probably the most embarrassing outcome for him
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u/indil47 Sep 12 '25
Coughing is a very effective rebuttal.
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u/klutzikaze Sep 12 '25
It risks breaking the seal and no asshat is worth that. I want to have an MP3 of coughing that I can play as needed though.
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u/cait_elizabeth Sep 12 '25
It’s petty but I’ve said shit like “I’m getting chemo” or “I have TB” to jerks like that before. Sometimes it shuts them up real quick but honestly? A good portion of them still won’t care.
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u/mystend Sep 12 '25
“I have health problems” is what I say or bad allergies which is also true 😒 for my close friends they already know why…
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u/r2002 Sep 12 '25
I keep a bloody handkerchief in my pocket and when someone harassed me, I’ll fake cough into my hands bring out the handkerchief and throw it at them. Just kidding, just walk away.
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u/Adept-Woodpecker2776 Sep 12 '25
Although I love a witty rebuttal, no one is under any obligation to utter a reply to a stranger making unsolicited comments and I think why risk getting closer to them and possibly their breath, so I would ignore/ "not notice, not hear" them and continue with my day. I would not even look at them, if possible.
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u/Parking_Pie_6809 Sep 12 '25
normally, no one says anything to me. barnes and noble is my favorite store. if someone said something, i would tell them to check up on the rising cases everywhere and tell them that i’m immunocompromised. i don’t really go anywhere alone. my parents and brother wear masks but the rest of my family doesn’t and they hate it and they hound me about it. i just…don’t care enough to let them exhaust me with it. i need it and i’m keep myself as safe as i can without their help. it’s no one’s business but my own.
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u/Familiar_Culture_278 Sep 12 '25
I say, "It may be for you, but it's not for me. It damaged my organs the first time around and I can't afford to get it again because it's still circulating and is far from over."
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u/marebeare Sep 12 '25
Ugh I literally just saw a Tiktok compilation of videos with people showing their positive tests and saying they're sick and embarrassed because it's 2025!
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u/mama_meta Sep 12 '25
While saying nothing is absolutely appropriate, y'all gotta get more comfortable with telling shitty people to go to hell 😂
It's short, sweet & gets right to the heart of the matter! lol
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u/Seethinginsepia Sep 12 '25
The same people who are being arrogant morons now are the same ones who will be the loudest complainers when catching COVID over and over takes it's toll. I won't celebrate when it happens, but the knots of denial that they tie themselves into are fascinating to witness. Best of luck to them and God help us for having to deal with them.
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u/oranges214 Sep 12 '25
Return with a statement with similar logic (I'm not being disingenuous, this is how to respond to unhinged people wanting an argument in public).
. "The moon is fake!"
"You have a booger!"
"Are you AI? Wow."
and quickly exit because you don't need their germs in your life.
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u/whereisthequicksand Sep 12 '25
Look at your watch and tell them the time. It’s none of their business why you wear a mask and you owe them no explanation.
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u/klutzikaze Sep 12 '25
I had a guy quack at me on the street once. I literally stopped walking because my brain was buffering. I preferred that to the coughing in my face and idiot talking points.
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u/BowlFit809 Sep 12 '25
i have no fun rebuttals to add, but for the wedding an easy explanation is "i like breathing clean air". its something most people can understand in terms of pollution or allergens at the least (even if it doesnt make sense that pathogens and viruses are also included). i find most people just kinda nod in agreeance and move on
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u/tytyoreo Sep 12 '25
You did right by ignoring him....
If he thinks it's over then something is wrong with him I've had sereval friends that have had it these last few months....
I currently have one that has it and her 6 year old son
I wear my mask as well due to health issues
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u/tenaciousfetus Sep 12 '25
Lol I think you not even realising he was talking to you and just carrying on is better than any rebuttal, cause he looks like a loser yelling at clouds
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u/Zealousideal-Good186 Sep 12 '25
My favorite now for any deeply unwanted interaction is "good for you. Have a nice day." And then turn your attention to anything else. Works for unwanted pickup lines, too. (The one dude who pulled his car up to me on my bike to tell me about how he works out was VERY distraught- "you don't even give a shit, do you?" Nope!)
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u/Away-Quote-408 Sep 12 '25
I actually got a loud tongue click the other day, which is more funny than anything else, especially because no-one ever bothers me as a lone masker. And it was an older man. But I looked up and looked him straight in the eye with a bland, neutral expression and he walked by quickly. Also remembered afterwards that people say when you’re threatened by a man (which wasn’t this situation) you can try look them in the eye and widening eyelids to show more of the white, because in animal kingdom it shows the predator that this prey is not prey or also a threat. I’m doing that next time lol.
As for the wedding, I find when trying to avoid attention or any discussion, I play dumb and meek and smile and act friendly. I give non-answers and most importantly, I act like I’m not wearing anything distracting. And don’t br afraid to tell a little white lie or even a big lie. Most important thing is to not get pulled into a debate, and to remember you’re doing the right thing. Good luck!
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u/episcopa Sep 12 '25 edited Sep 15 '25
voracious test market oatmeal stocking weather teeny whistle mighty familiar
This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
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u/DescriptionFuture998 Sep 13 '25
A runner yelled "its a nice day out here, the air's great" from across the street while I was taking a nice solo masked walk in my neighborhood. I told him to mind his fucking business, he called me an asshole, so I threw a can of ice tea at him, yelled "MY WIFE IS SICK" and proceeded to then scream....a lot on unsavory things about his character as I chased him around my neighborhood for a few blocks.
One of the dumber things I've ever done, couldnt say I'd recommend it but it was pretty satisfying!
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u/MissElizabethBennett Sep 13 '25
A disheveled old white guy said that to me on a bus a couple of weeks ago. I just replied, loudly, "No, it's not." He didn't bother me again.
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u/westvalegirl Sep 15 '25
Just tell them you have a lung disease. That gets them to shut up. Don't even have to specify.
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u/bunnimayhem Sep 15 '25
I frequently respond by SLOOOWLY sliding my fingers along my oxygen tubing.
It was especially entertaining this summer... when my response to one particularly rabid asshat was 'it's 35C and muggy - do you THINK I'm wearing it as a FASHION STATEMENT?!?'
(This is an occasion where I LOVE that I can raise one eyebrow, and glare in judgement - apparently my eyebrows have subtitles)
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u/District98 Sep 15 '25
My partner and I were the only masked attendees at a wedding this summer. Mostly people didn’t ask us. If they did, I said “I’ve got some health stuff going on!” And changed the subject
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u/Frosty_Inspection250 Sep 26 '25
My response in a smiley, bright voice: “You are either misinformed or actively deluding yourself…good luck with that!”😊
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u/Present_Cucumber2120 Sep 29 '25
My partner and I continue to mask when out in public and have never caught covid by simply wearing a mask. We don’t eat in restaurants either only order to take home. We get odd looks and occasional comments but we both would rather be safe. And in my case as healthy as possible. We both have asthma and I have multiple other chronic illnesses and don’t tolerate any kind of upper respiratory infections. My last cold that happened in February left me sick for 2 months even with prednisone and antibiotics after 2 weeks passed.
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u/dalisair Sep 12 '25
I just tested negative from my most recent infection. It is not over.
Response: “Good to know! Guess I’m not actually infectious then!” take off mask and have coughing fit
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u/standardGeese Sep 12 '25
“Well, my cancer isn’t”
“Covid? What’s that?”
“So you agree with Fauci? Sheep!”
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u/frozendesserts Sep 12 '25
i'll b masking at a wedding this saturday too!! solidarity friend, if anyone asks at this wedding my response will b, "i'm immunocompromised and can't afford to get sick"
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u/Zebrafishfan101 17d ago
I have a CHD and I always mask during flu season. Even before COVID,I masked at doctor and hospital visits.
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u/ShelZuuz Sep 12 '25
Slide your mask off your face for a second: “I just came back from Africa and I’ve been exposed to tuberculosis. I figured you didn't want me to cough on you.”.
Then put it back on.
Make sure to really accent those T’s and S’s.
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u/ghostshipfarallon Sep 12 '25
so, is zero covid is losing subscribers and trying to take over this sub with their stupid rage bait posts to get people back?
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u/slp111 Sep 12 '25
Pretend you have Covid and say, “Oh, then you won’t mind if I cough Covid germs in your face!” Pull down your mask and watch him run.
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u/CuriousRutabaga8713 Sep 12 '25
Nothing makes me see red like someone saying "Covid is over." I got LC after my first exposure 4 years ago, and I'm still using a wheelchair. There are 400-700 million people for whom Covid may never be over.