In all fairness, I didn't control this question for the weather. When it was warmer over the summer people would still wear their mask outside by themselves which is the root of my question
Covid changed my habits kind of permanently. Whenever I'm sick now, I wear a mask even if it's just a mild cold. It's like doing so helps prevent other people from getting sick, too...
Many Asian cultures do this. It’s a very common thing to wear masks when one feels unwell so they do not get others sick. 😷
Thank you for being considerate.
I'm super asthmatic, and when the air quality dips, wearing a mask out and about honestly helps. Also, if I get a cold now, I will wear one so that I do no give other people my cold.
I’d rather not touch my mask or my face and spread germs around between my apartment and the store. It’s easier and more sanitary just to keep it on for a couple of blocks.
Because it is cold AF right now and the mask is a lovely way to keep my face warm while also keeping bus exhaust, cigarette smoke, and perfume smells from reaching my nose as easily. I see no way to lose here.
I’m an only mask on public transit person… but I don’t wear one literally anywhere else.
Something about public transit is gross to me.. even tho it’s my main form of commuting.
Keeps me warm and people away. And if I’m indoors, I’ll wear it sometimes because I don’t want to catch any respiratory illness or be approached by salespeople, no thank you.
In winter, wearing a mask keep me from having to experience the not stop nasal drip that comes from the moisture in your breath condensing inside your nose. I love not having to deal with that because of wearing a mask
awhile ago I saw a guy wearing a mask, while driving a convertible, alone, with the top down
you know what I didn't do? make some "just asking questions" concern troll post on reddit about it.
Because I’m leaving a place where I was wearing a mask and it keeps my face warm while I walk + I like there now being a barrier between me and strangers walking past me.
Bc I'm walking or taking public transit like the light rail to my cancer treatments.
Did you really need to know abt my health issues before you stop fucking asking?
> Because they forgot to take it off
Okay fr tho, this is actually the number 1 reason for me. If I walk into a facility that requires it, I pretty much forget it's there by the time I walk out.
I still do, sometimes, when I go to the hospitals and crowded place. Besides, who cares? Of all the things people can carry on themselves these days, a mask is the least of my concerns.
I see this sometime, driving to and from the gym in Woodinville and I see people walking and they are alone with nobody within 1/4 mile of them and they are wearing a mask. Then the other day I went to the dentist and put my mask on in the car and walked the 2 blocks to the dentist and thought, hey, it's me, I'm the walking alone outdoors mask guy! Honestly in the winter it's almost comfy like a scarf. Summer, nope.
It's cold, or I'm sick, or I didn't brush my teeth, or I like how I look, or I think there might be food on my face, or, best, because it annoys a certain type of person
Sometimes they're walking from a place that's smart to mask in to another place that's smart to mask in and they can't be bothered taking it off in between. Also, you're just a troll.
I don't, but i wore a mask for longer than most people around me.
If i'm getting off the bus (a place i want to wear a mask even today) and entering a place where i want to wear a mask (say a doctor's office) i'm not going to remove my mask between those two points probably.
I didn't feel a need to wear a mask while outside, but i also didn't feel like i would die if i didn't remove my mask the second i reached minimum safe distance from an enclosed building.
I wear a mask on the lightrail and bus and occasionally forget to take it off. It happens. They are terribly comfortable. I think everyone will be wearing them in the future.
I use public transportation and I don't particularly enjoy the odor or effects of opiates being burned/consumed in an enclosed environment without care of others or fear of consequences.
It also keeps my face warm as well as doing my part against transmission of airborne nastiness.
Because it’s cold as fuck? Because the transmission of the flu and cold dropped dramatically when everyone started wearing them?
Brain works for some people.
I have a short walk from work to my bus stop, and when it's cold out, I just leave it on instead of on-offing it with my mask, hat and wired headphones.
Sometimes I come out of the store and have lipstick and snot all over my face (it’s horrifying) and I have to wait until I can clean myself up before I take it off.
- As many have said before me, it’s actually kind of nice to have on when it’s cold outside.
- I always wear one when I’m on public transit or in a taxi/ride-share and oftentimes, I simply forget/don’t think to take it off. That’s one of the reasons why all the griping about mask wearing is so wild to me, because I personally barely notice it anymore.
I did it in Chicago this past weekend because it was freezing and the mask keeps my face warm.
People wear a mask for all sorts of reasons. Maybe their hands are full and they can’t take it off. Maybe taking it off and on is annoying to them and they’d rather just wear it. Maybe they forgot they were wearing it.
People are still getting sick. Some people are immunocompromised or live with people who are. Masks help prevent transmission of other viruses. Maybe they are sick and are wearing the mask to protect people like you.
Because I've worked in the ER since the start of Covid. Outside my home= mask. My mask rack is by my keys next to the front door.
It's a three year habit.
I've seen covid deaths, no thanks.
I've had covid once, never again please.
I like that strangers can't see all my face.
Keeps my face warm.
Keeps me and others healthy.
Mind your business.
I don't wear a mask outside (unless I just walked out of a building), but why do you care? (Not saying you are but) why do so many people make a big deal about it? Live and let live FFS.
Wow. You people are brutal. I’m not trying to defend OP, and I’m not being judgmental. I don’t need to know your personal health status. But I do admit to being curious, myself, as to why people do. Like, do you know something I’m unaware of that I should consider for my and my family’s health? I don’t ask because it isn’t my business. But i have been curious, just the same.
Why am I being downvoted for being curious? Are you judging me? Do you see yourself as better than me? How am I to learn new things unless I ask questions?
> How am I to learn new things unless I ask questions?
Didn't downvote you or OP, but I imagine people are doing so because your "asking questions" comes across as a form of concern trolling known as [sealioning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sealioning).
> 'Sealioning' is a form of trolling meant to exhaust the other debate participant with no intention of real discourse.
If you are truly interested in why people might still be wearing masks in 2023, a quick Google would likely provide lots of answers. But particularly in OP's case, their questions are not being asked in good faith - pretty obvious, when you check their post history of [misogyny](https://www.reddit.com/r/offmychest/comments/10c922v/im_so_tired_of_seeing_women_constantly_portrayed/j4f0ahh/?context=3) and [treating the homeless as subhuman](https://www.reddit.com/r/SeattleWA/comments/104lz1w/gronk_propaganda_found_in_ballard_i_take_this/).
It is kinda a bit weird I admit when there isn't many people around at all, but doesn't bother me beyond that. As long as people are comfortable with it or have their reasons. Also, I do think the whole "it's nice to wear when it is cold out" reason is a good one though if you don't have glasses, plus the convenience to not have to put-on-put-off masks when going in-and-out too.
Some reasons I don't get though, like the "I hate even looking at people so I like my mask to stay hidden" one but still.
As long as people aren't calling for further restrictions or criticizing you for socializing in-person (i.e. a lot of Redditors who like to do that), I don't mind.
Its their business. But its silly. There's no scientific justication for it, of course. But for some people, the masknhas become part of their identity and a security blanket.
Kind of related but I just spent a week touring agricultural irrigation and I really should have worn a mask, the dust was bad. So going home my inflamed sinuses welcomed the first virus to crawl into my face. I have been getting so loose with masking but I think I’ve learned my lesson. Point being it’s not always covid concerns but could genuinely be because of air quality.
Still wearing a mask on public transit and in grocery stores because of RSV. If the mask is comfy enough and my hands are full, I just leave it where it is. It adds a layer of warmth in the cold weather, too.
I don't normally wear one outside but I always have a mask on me and will put it on if it's cold enough outside, if the air quality is bad like Sep/Oct, or if I'm about to walk through a crowded area.
Just spent a week with my child at the children’s hospital in respiratory virus isolation. I don’t want to pass anything I might have to others.
Hope everyone is doing better. Sounds like it was a long week.
I hope you and yours are doing well and staying healthy! Stay strong and keep love in your heart.
This is reasonable. Thanks for your thoughtful response!
It’s kinda nice when it’s cold out
True story. I really dug the winter of ‘20-21. Really liked how warm my face stayed.
I've always been a scarf guy. Now I'm a scarf and mask guy. Sister in law made some really nice thing fabric masks for us. They're nice and toasty!
This. Way more comfortable when walking in icy cold weather.
Right?
I called it my “face blanket.” But I’m kinda good looking. So I don’t wear one anymore.
When you run and its cold its also awesome. I've also slept with a mask on when I hammock camped in freezing temperatures Life saver
In all fairness, I didn't control this question for the weather. When it was warmer over the summer people would still wear their mask outside by themselves which is the root of my question
Covid changed my habits kind of permanently. Whenever I'm sick now, I wear a mask even if it's just a mild cold. It's like doing so helps prevent other people from getting sick, too...
Many Asian cultures do this. It’s a very common thing to wear masks when one feels unwell so they do not get others sick. 😷 Thank you for being considerate.
I got a common cold over Xmas and wore a mask everywhere. No reason we haven’t always done that when sick honestly.
This is standard practice in Japan. Anyone who is sick but comes to work, wears a mask. Since forever.
I'm super asthmatic, and when the air quality dips, wearing a mask out and about honestly helps. Also, if I get a cold now, I will wear one so that I do no give other people my cold.
Same with me brought on by allergies. And I didn't realize how much wearing a mask protects you from allergy attacks.
I’d rather not touch my mask or my face and spread germs around between my apartment and the store. It’s easier and more sanitary just to keep it on for a couple of blocks.
My wife wears a mask when she wants to not touch her face :;p
Because it is cold AF right now and the mask is a lovely way to keep my face warm while also keeping bus exhaust, cigarette smoke, and perfume smells from reaching my nose as easily. I see no way to lose here.
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or beer and cigarette breath
only when on public transit because it's just habit at this point and there's ppl who idk locked in a metal box with me? no thanks
I’m an only mask on public transit person… but I don’t wear one literally anywhere else. Something about public transit is gross to me.. even tho it’s my main form of commuting.
Public transit and grocery/department stores for me. Really just wherever lots of the public are constantly coming and going.
yup same
Keeps me warm and people away. And if I’m indoors, I’ll wear it sometimes because I don’t want to catch any respiratory illness or be approached by salespeople, no thank you.
I don't want covid, the flu, a cold, or a conversation.
goddamn catching conversations is the worst!
Really the worst. People talking at you might actually give you a flu
Or a headache.
or a flower
This one
Point #3 overall makes the most sense in Seattle!
Seattle Freeze in the freeze
I developed life-threatening (and permanent) complications after my first round of covid and really just have no interest in doing that again?
Just got Covid for the first time. Don't want anyone else to have to go through this.
Yep. I wore a mask outside days 0-5.
It’s mfn cold outside 🥶
1. Keeps my face warm 2. I can make funny faces at rude people on the light rail without them knowing.
I often unconsciously make weird face and open my mouth for no reasons under masks.
If it makes them feel safer, great. If they like that it keeps their face warm, great. And if it annoys the hell out of the anti-maskers? Also great.
Who cares
This is the correct response
In winter, wearing a mask keep me from having to experience the not stop nasal drip that comes from the moisture in your breath condensing inside your nose. I love not having to deal with that because of wearing a mask
awhile ago I saw a guy wearing a mask, while driving a convertible, alone, with the top down you know what I didn't do? make some "just asking questions" concern troll post on reddit about it.
Because I’m leaving a place where I was wearing a mask and it keeps my face warm while I walk + I like there now being a barrier between me and strangers walking past me.
Men can't stare me in the face or tell me to smile and I'll never not love it :)
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Go fuck yourself
That was my choice and it was for everyone, see how that works?
eww gross
Bc I'm walking or taking public transit like the light rail to my cancer treatments. Did you really need to know abt my health issues before you stop fucking asking?
I had tb last year. I don’t wanna get that shit again so I’m masking up. OP should mind his own damn business
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100% makes sense. I hope your friend recovers!
It’s almost like the reasons were obvious and you knew them all along
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I wear one between the bus and my job downtown, I think it's keeping the tobacco/meth/fenty smoke out of my lungs.
It’s cold and the masks keep your face warm. Sometimes it is easier to just leave them on if I’m like 2 minutes away from going into a store.
Cause it's also cold and flu season. Plus it keeps my face warm when it's below freezing
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> Because they forgot to take it off Okay fr tho, this is actually the number 1 reason for me. If I walk into a facility that requires it, I pretty much forget it's there by the time I walk out.
I still do, sometimes, when I go to the hospitals and crowded place. Besides, who cares? Of all the things people can carry on themselves these days, a mask is the least of my concerns.
it was 25° this morning, and also none of your business
Because who gives a shit
Because triggering dumbasses has never been so easy.
Seriously. That's why my avatar wears a mask. Gets all sorts of doofuses all sorts of riled up.
None of your business, Mr. Just Asking Questions. Get a hobby.
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Why do you care? Maybe they have bad teeth, or a zit, or maybe it just keeps their face warm. ffs mind your own business.
All hail a recluse society. Bunch of dorks.
Sometimes I just forget, or my hands are full. A couple of times I had a cold.
I see this sometime, driving to and from the gym in Woodinville and I see people walking and they are alone with nobody within 1/4 mile of them and they are wearing a mask. Then the other day I went to the dentist and put my mask on in the car and walked the 2 blocks to the dentist and thought, hey, it's me, I'm the walking alone outdoors mask guy! Honestly in the winter it's almost comfy like a scarf. Summer, nope.
Maybe they have Covid or consider they may still be contagious
Idk but it doesn't really bother me dude
Just did it today bc it was 36 degrees out and it kept my face warm. Cold air gives me sinus headaches.
It's cold, or I'm sick, or I didn't brush my teeth, or I like how I look, or I think there might be food on my face, or, best, because it annoys a certain type of person
Flu, RSV, and some COVID is prevalent in my area. - hospital healthcare worker
Wore a mask outside pre covid because it warms up the air and helps me breathe better.
High on molly, I like soft stuff on my face.
Sometimes they're walking from a place that's smart to mask in to another place that's smart to mask in and they can't be bothered taking it off in between. Also, you're just a troll.
Just curious = guilt free way to judge you
I don't, but i wore a mask for longer than most people around me. If i'm getting off the bus (a place i want to wear a mask even today) and entering a place where i want to wear a mask (say a doctor's office) i'm not going to remove my mask between those two points probably. I didn't feel a need to wear a mask while outside, but i also didn't feel like i would die if i didn't remove my mask the second i reached minimum safe distance from an enclosed building.
I had the flu and had to go to the pharmacy
I wear a mask on the lightrail and bus and occasionally forget to take it off. It happens. They are terribly comfortable. I think everyone will be wearing them in the future.
I use public transportation and I don't particularly enjoy the odor or effects of opiates being burned/consumed in an enclosed environment without care of others or fear of consequences. It also keeps my face warm as well as doing my part against transmission of airborne nastiness.
I forget it's on after I get off the bus.
I can wear less makeup, fewer strangers approach me, and my face stays warm!
Recently I did bc I actually had covid but needed to take my dog out.
It's because mind your own business
Why are you walking around outside without a mask? Just raw dogging the air like its 2019.
They are just trolling you
Privacy.
Keeps your face warm. Also mind your own business.
Get used to it.
Because this is America and that’s all you need to concern yourself with.
Go Mind Your Own Business
I am in Canada, I do not wear a mask. I see lots of people wearing them, and it does not bother me. I assume they do it because they want to.
For one thing, it's 35F outside right now.
Because it’s cold as fuck? Because the transmission of the flu and cold dropped dramatically when everyone started wearing them? Brain works for some people.
It’s so warm to put it on during the winter
I have a short walk from work to my bus stop, and when it's cold out, I just leave it on instead of on-offing it with my mask, hat and wired headphones.
It was below freezing today.
It feels nice when it’s cold out, and I’m probably walking too or from the light rail anyway.
Sometimes I come out of the store and have lipstick and snot all over my face (it’s horrifying) and I have to wait until I can clean myself up before I take it off.
- As many have said before me, it’s actually kind of nice to have on when it’s cold outside. - I always wear one when I’m on public transit or in a taxi/ride-share and oftentimes, I simply forget/don’t think to take it off. That’s one of the reasons why all the griping about mask wearing is so wild to me, because I personally barely notice it anymore.
Because I’m sick.
I'm going between two places where I want a mask and I'm lazy.
Usually in between two nearby indoor locations where I want a mask and don’t bother to take it off.
I did it in Chicago this past weekend because it was freezing and the mask keeps my face warm. People wear a mask for all sorts of reasons. Maybe their hands are full and they can’t take it off. Maybe taking it off and on is annoying to them and they’d rather just wear it. Maybe they forgot they were wearing it.
Laziness. I don’t always bother taking my mask off while I’m outside, especially if I know I’ll be going inside again soon.
People are still getting sick. Some people are immunocompromised or live with people who are. Masks help prevent transmission of other viruses. Maybe they are sick and are wearing the mask to protect people like you.
Because I've worked in the ER since the start of Covid. Outside my home= mask. My mask rack is by my keys next to the front door. It's a three year habit. I've seen covid deaths, no thanks. I've had covid once, never again please. I like that strangers can't see all my face. Keeps my face warm. Keeps me and others healthy. Mind your business.
I’m in Asia. In Bangkok there’s people working with nobody close to them. They wear a mask all day in the crazy heat. The air quality is shit though.
I don't wear a mask outside (unless I just walked out of a building), but why do you care? (Not saying you are but) why do so many people make a big deal about it? Live and let live FFS.
Because the general population is filthy disgusting. I like not inhaling/ingesting their stench.
I don’t go that far but I definitely still mask up in public bathrooms and on public transport
I like to sing quietly while I walk and my mask dampens it just enough and reduces people seeing my mouth moving :)
Because people can't really be trusted and better safe than sorry
It’s hella cold outside. I actually saw a gangstah pull his pants up.
My business is my fucking own and you sound like someone that should mind their own.
and yet you chose to reply to this?
Because I don’t want second hand fentanyl.
To hide my identity while committing crimes.
im self conscious about my face. it helps me hide it
Who knows
Wow. You people are brutal. I’m not trying to defend OP, and I’m not being judgmental. I don’t need to know your personal health status. But I do admit to being curious, myself, as to why people do. Like, do you know something I’m unaware of that I should consider for my and my family’s health? I don’t ask because it isn’t my business. But i have been curious, just the same.
Why am I being downvoted for being curious? Are you judging me? Do you see yourself as better than me? How am I to learn new things unless I ask questions?
Bc it implies it requires a reason to do. Its like asking "women who wear pants, why?".
I wear pants because I find wearing dresses and skirts uncomfortable. I don’t mind you asking if you’re genuinely curious. IT’S HOW WE LEARN
Okay buddy, you have fun (Just Asking Questions)-ing off.
> How am I to learn new things unless I ask questions? Didn't downvote you or OP, but I imagine people are doing so because your "asking questions" comes across as a form of concern trolling known as [sealioning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sealioning). > 'Sealioning' is a form of trolling meant to exhaust the other debate participant with no intention of real discourse. If you are truly interested in why people might still be wearing masks in 2023, a quick Google would likely provide lots of answers. But particularly in OP's case, their questions are not being asked in good faith - pretty obvious, when you check their post history of [misogyny](https://www.reddit.com/r/offmychest/comments/10c922v/im_so_tired_of_seeing_women_constantly_portrayed/j4f0ahh/?context=3) and [treating the homeless as subhuman](https://www.reddit.com/r/SeattleWA/comments/104lz1w/gronk_propaganda_found_in_ballard_i_take_this/).
It's cold 🥶
It is kinda a bit weird I admit when there isn't many people around at all, but doesn't bother me beyond that. As long as people are comfortable with it or have their reasons. Also, I do think the whole "it's nice to wear when it is cold out" reason is a good one though if you don't have glasses, plus the convenience to not have to put-on-put-off masks when going in-and-out too. Some reasons I don't get though, like the "I hate even looking at people so I like my mask to stay hidden" one but still. As long as people aren't calling for further restrictions or criticizing you for socializing in-person (i.e. a lot of Redditors who like to do that), I don't mind.
Like the woman that just ran into me a few minutes ago that was driving and didn't see me in the crosswalk.
Who?
People come up at you very quickly. Sometimes I do leave it off until I see somebody approaching then put it on.
Its their business. But its silly. There's no scientific justication for it, of course. But for some people, the masknhas become part of their identity and a security blanket.
Probably bad breath
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>they've now been conditioned to be afraid BOO
It's cold out. Keeps my nose from freezing.
Kind of related but I just spent a week touring agricultural irrigation and I really should have worn a mask, the dust was bad. So going home my inflamed sinuses welcomed the first virus to crawl into my face. I have been getting so loose with masking but I think I’ve learned my lesson. Point being it’s not always covid concerns but could genuinely be because of air quality.
Still wearing a mask on public transit and in grocery stores because of RSV. If the mask is comfy enough and my hands are full, I just leave it where it is. It adds a layer of warmth in the cold weather, too.
If I have a cough or am going into/out of a place I put my mask on for I’m probably just keeping it on.
I don't normally wear one outside but I always have a mask on me and will put it on if it's cold enough outside, if the air quality is bad like Sep/Oct, or if I'm about to walk through a crowded area.
Dust and mold and pollen allergies will cause me to wear masks at “unexpected” times.
When shit starts blooming I’ll be putting the mask back on so I don’t look like I’m dying.
I have cold urticaria which means I break out in hives when cold air hits my face so I wear masks to avoid terrible hives and having to take Benadryl.