Common sense tells us there is nothing common about what’s happened over this past year. There has been change, confusion, complication, conflict, and irrational behavior association with these masks. People are tired and Mentally Fragile! Despite recent progress, we will never go “back to normal.” And nobody really knows what a “new normal” will look like.

People are leaving their houses and spending money. The economy is improving. Schools and businesses are opening. For the first time in a long time, people are optimistic again – and heading back to worship, restaurants, bars, and shops! The faucet is turning on, slowly, but it is turning on.

Along with millions and millions of other Americans, I’m vaccinated! People are again embracing a few long-denied freedoms, like gathering in groups and having dinners without masks or social distancing. Grandparents are visiting grandchildren. People are high-fiving and yes, even hugging again!

I will admit that I’ve spent too much time over the past year in smug judgment over masks. The velocity of change was crazy and confusing. I didn’t know when to wear a mask. Are all masks created equal? Why was that guy wearing a mask in his car by himself? I wear a mask walking into a restaurant but then take it off when I sit down? How about exercising at the gym? What about all the people that met the basic requirements of having a mask on, but only the smallest minority wore them fully over the nose and mouth but rather more like a chin diaper? According to my doctor, just about everyone, myself included, were fiddling with their mask in ways that more than likely canceled out any usefulness they might have had to begin with.

As an American, you should cherish your freedoms and decide what is best for you and your family. There will be a dramatic transformation in the next three months as America Unmasks. With this unmasking, there will come more change, confusion, complication, conflict, and irrational behavior. People will remain mentally fragile!

I am going to do my best to keep my attitude in check and not judge others – I’m challenging you to do the same. If you are worried and feel more protected by wearing a mask, then wear a mask. Everyone’s level of concern and risk are different and that is OK. I will wear my mask when I feel it is necessary for my health or when it is a courtesy to others. However, you will not see me wearing my mask alone in my car or on a bike ride!

Masks will not disappear altogether. In some form or fashion, they will become part of our culture just like in Asia. People with health concerns will wear masks. People might wear a mask if they have a cold or are not feeling well. People will wear a mask out of courtesy. I think some people will wear masks simply because they like them. The general population will not continue to wear masks in public. Remember to keep your attitude in check around your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, customers, and clients as the Unmasking of American begins.