I have a good friend who spent much of Covid in Germany. Masks, not allowed to go to stores, etc. she loved it. Thinks it’s why they are still alive. Even when I explain I spent April-October in freedom in Iowa. At water parks, traveling through the red states still open, at stores, all the places…she looks at me with that blank stare you mention.

It’s obvious to people with a thinking brain. Sadly, she’s a teacher.