I think I scared the hell out of a nice lady at the grocery store today

[bottomofthehill]

At my local Giant there was a woman wearing a Biden/Harris shirt. It was the first one I have seen. My face lit up ( but you can’t see that because of the mask ) and I said “great shirt, wish it came in my size“, I am running between 2XL and 3X. I have always been big but Covid comfort eating has made me even bigger.

She looked uncomfortable and moved quickly away. I don’t know if she did not quite catch what I said, or if she was just not amused by a fat old guy, but it was a compliment. It was a great shirt and I do want to get one.

The mask is hard as people can not see facial expressions. With no mask she may have seen from my expression that I was sincere and really happy. I guess I should have just said, I love your shirt.

[hlthe2b]

1. Yes.. wearing a mask makes for some misundersstandings and not only because people don't always hear

what you said. Add glasses to that and that only leaves hand gestures to convey, I guess. Everything I hate about electronic communication gets amplified now in person-to-person communication as a result.

Maybe just give her a next time.

[irisblue]

5. The thumbs up gesture is ruined for all times for me.

I still miss saying "You Betcha"

[hlthe2b]

8. Not the "OK" gesture, the thumbsup... What's wrong with it?

[irisblue]

18. The Apricothellbeast and his maga followers overuse of it.

Thousands and hundreds of thousands of photos with that used to be useful gesture and those people using it.

[hlthe2b]

20. Yeah, they do... I guess I still have fond memories of people I like using it decades before that...

[irisblue]

24. Me too.

Bastards ruined it

[Princess Turandot]

21. It's Trump's favorite photo-pose...

He uses that 'ok' gesture at his rallies, but when posing for photos.... (if your stomach's strong enough):
Google Image Search

[bottomofthehill]

12. Love the Sarah Palin reference.

[irisblue]

19. .

[bottomofthehill]

11. Checked that box too

Wearing glasses and a Wareham Gatemen cape league baseball hat.

My wife said she probably thinks you are an old nut.

[JustGene]

16. 100%

Communication is more than words.

[Phoenix61]

2. I saw one today at the grocery store too.

I would have said something to the man wearing it but I was there for an interview and thought it best not too.

[SWBTATTReg]

3. Ha ha...you meant no harm of course. The masks are essential, and you're doing your duty

(all of us are by wearing). I rely on lip reading for hearing, and it's been a nightmare for me, but I put up with it. I think sometimes one must sacrifice for the good of all. I simply just tell people that I rely on lip reading and almost 100% responded wonderfully by speaking more louder. I am proud of people and thank them all to the bottom of my heart for understanding.

Take care and be safe!

[Maru Kitteh]

4. The mask may not have been the issue. Friendly tip to all men -

When a strange man says "I like your shirt," what we often hear is: "I was looking at your boobs and I like your shirt."

Because experience.


ETA: Alternative complement - "I can't WAIT till Biden is president! Nice to see a fellow supporter."

[irisblue]

6. Maru, you make a good point

[marybourg]

9. +1

[Dem2]

10. I get "I like your shirt!" compliments all the time

I appreciate them, it makes me happy. I'm a man, however. I generally avoid complimenting strangers of either sex these days due to the political environment, however, never mind the potential for a misunderstanding.

[cwydro]

15. So true.

Sadly so.

[JustGene]

17. +1

[hlthe2b]

22. Good suggestion.

[Maru Kitteh]

26. Thx. I just thought celebrating the message rather than the garment itself,

might be more clear and a bit less awkward.

[LizBeth]

7. Body language and hand signs dude. Covid has created a whole new way for communication. Thumbs up

and she knows it is good to go whatever you are saying. ...

[procon]

13. Given that we live in a Covid world and she's already

in a vulnerable age, and in crowded store, and then (for whatever reason) she's confronted by a total stranger, of course she distanced herself. I would have done the same thing. None of us can afford to take chances with casual contacts that might put our lives at risk.

Personally, at this point in time, I do not want any social contact with strangers. I don't want to chitchat because I'm trying to avoid people so I minimize the possibility of getting the virus. Please, just keep your distance and let me get outside ASAP.

[LisaM]

14. I had a (masked) conversation with a woman on a walk the other day about this.

I was sitting on a bench, she was walking by. She made a friendly hand signal, and I mentioned that people can't tell if you're smiling if you have a mask on. Our idea was that people could carry little emoji type signs (smiley faces, etc.) to signal friendliness!

[nykym]

23. One benefit of wearing a mask

which actually has nothing to do with the virus is that you can mouth the words "FUCK YOU"
at someone and they will not have any idea you are cursing them out.

[cwydro]

25. I've never felt the need to do that.

What a curious response, especially considering the OP was trying to be friendly.