Thread by @Vidyut

Neighbour bhabhi came to ask for something, then: Your maid went to shop wearing 2 masks and a face shield.

Mom: Yes

NB: WHY? (She isn't wearing a mask, of course)

Mom: Because you people aren't wearing, so one for you. *shuts door*

Some days I LOVE her lack of social skills.

The neighbours are a major source of anxiety for mom. It is a HUGE joint family with relatives nearby who are very close and it is unknown how many actually live in this falt. None of them wear masks and their toddlers are supercute, but expert infiltrators with no boundaries.

Every other week there seems to be some puja at their place.

Mom likes that sense of community, but ever since pandemic started and multiple requests to mask up get mostly ignored, she's started getting a bit hostile to them.

Mom is a bit eccentric (okay, a lot). Schizophrenic, though okay with meds, she can be difficult to get along with.

Maid has come to accept her, but there used to be daily spats. (and vice versa)

But to her credit, she's managed to teach the maid SHAMELESS SOCIAL DISTANCING

Earlier maid used to wear a mask like almost an apology, feeling weird because others in building were not.

It was a risk that she would take it off in other places.

Now she maintains masks and distance enough to do a Brahmin believing in untouchability proud. lol

Earlier when asked about masks, she used to uncomfortably mumble stuff like "Memsaheb insists" (Memsaheb is me, don't ask, I've failed to fix it)

Now she answers absolutely clearly "because pandemic" and flat out insists that others mask up. No hesitation, no embarrassment.

Worth pointing out here is also the class factor. 2 masks AND face shield seem excessive because MAID.

But our place rules are by the science. People more at risk get more precautions. Not by status.

Maid is older than country. 2 masks when cases rise. Yep.

Ideally no one goes out. When I do, I wear a good mask, but am also on bicycle, so limited contact with others.

Maid walks, is old. Earlier she used to feel embarrassed, because many home owners were unprotected, and she, a maid, was full on mask and shield.

Now not bothered.