For nearly a month now, wearing a face mask has been compulsory when you go shopping in Scotland.
This was new behaviour for most of us (professional bank robbers and cowboys aside), and we’ve slowly been getting used to it.
We understand the reasoning behind it. These extra measures are designed to save lives while Covid 19 still stalks the aisles, but it feels weird.
Experiment
As you know, I’m always banging on about non-verbal communication and this one move – halting a global pandemic aside – is a great nationwide experiment to demonstrate the point.
When only your eyes are visible, they feel much more prominent in your face. I’m much more conscious of what I’m looking at, or what it looks like I’m looking at.
It has made me very aware how much of my communication is done through facial gestures. How do you communicate a benign sense of good will towards the world through only your eyes?
Saying “excuse me” with a smile as you thread your way through indecisive trolleys is entirely different from a stoney-faced “excuse me” as you stride past. In the supermarket, no one can see you smile.
In fact, I am more cautious about talking when I’m wearing a mask. With less of my face visible, I feel more detached from proceedings. It makes me feel more anonymous, even if that is probably an illusion in my wee village Co-op.
Naked
I imagine I must look more mysterious. The other day, I wondered if it was what wearing a niqab feels like.
The only time I’ve come close to knowing was in Damascus when I’d spent some time in a hammam with some Syrian ladies. Walking outside, I suddenly felt naked, despite being fulled clothed Western-style.
I’d got so used to hijab in that short space of time that it felt strange being outdoors in the middle of the city dressed differently from everyone else. Yes, I’d inadvertently put myself in someone else’s burka.
Maybe that will be what mask-wearing will become. We’ll feel naked without our trusty germ defender firmly in place.
Upbeat
And then there is what others look like to you. Body language comes into its own completely. Don’t believe me? Put on your mask, cross your arms and then look in a full-length mirror. Precisely…
Maybe this is why people have taken to wearing brighter and more colourful masks, in the belief they’re more upbeat and less threatening.
I totally see the point of the ones with smiles and rainbows on them, even as the most self-confessedly cynical and world-weary person I know.
As a lifelong fan of black, even I don’t want to feel like we’re in a shop full of off-duty highwaymen picking up something for their tea.
Smile
So my fellow Scots, when you’re out and about in your masks, be aware that people might be slower in reading your intentions.
But fear not, keep smiling and remember … you can still raise your eyebrows.
- This blog was previously published on morefromthemearns
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