Sorry I couldn't get back earlier.

I want to acknowledge that there was a kind of evolution to my methods and tactics. I am relaying the steps from about mid-January 2021 until May. Also, I am fairly modest in my ambition and needs and other than food and a few odds and ends, my needs do not require a lot of going places, I guess. But I do all the grocery and household shopping.

This is very important to know about me: I try to be devout and am a sinner but deeply committed to Our Lord, therefore prayer was possibly the greatest help...

1) Before entering an establishment that requires masking: Sit for a moment in prayer. I have a beautiful prayer that acknowledges God Almighty as my Father and as His child not to abandon me. Then a prayer to the Holy Spirit to be upon my lips if I have to defend myself and within the heart of whomever I dialogue with inside the store (this has been a great aid!). I also pray a prayer to Jesus that was penned by Elizabeth Kindlemann. I ended with a prayer ejaculation of St. Faustina to Mary, my mother (which actually has a line that reads "defend me with your powers ... and especially against those who hide their malice behind the mask of virtue" no kidding, circa 1933) to hide me under her mantle.

2) Being fully under the protection of the Holy Trinity and Mary... upon entering the store I would go immediately to the "greeter" - who was invariably armed with a little baggie of blue masks - and gently (thank you prayers) say "Hello, I understand you are doing you job but I just wanted to let you know that I do not wear masks. " I might throw in a little flattery if I didn't recognize the greeter. If I was ever asked not to enter, it must have been at a "non-essential" place because I do not recall.

I think being upfront disarms them as they expect "non-maskers" to be hostile and they are prepared to defend against attacks on the policy. Sneakiness and rudeness gets the management called on you - I learned that the hard way but I am ever so grateful because I had a 10 min. talk with the manager of Meijer and by the end of it he wanted to shake my hand but couldn't "because of covid". Ha!

3) While maskless, just go about your business with serene composure, continuing to thank Mary and Jesus. Avoid aisles that have too many people; remember, they are wearing masks and probably feel harassed and anxious because of it and may resent your calm, maskless composure; you can return to that aisle when it clears a bit.

4) Try not to look masked people in the eye (except for children, and when you do smile, they are amazed) because that will encourage them to question why you are not wearing a mask. Sometimes you will want to have that convo, I encourage it. know the facts and where they can find them.

Now, one small thing for the ladies that worked wonders before all of the above: knit infinity scarves. Hey, winter! Prior to covid I had two such scarves that I had been in the habit of wearing rather tighter that the style suggest (think third twist). I would enter the store (the sign on the store said "Masks must be worn for entry") with the scarf up over my nose and then immediately upon getting my cart return it beneath my chin as always.

One other thing. Most people hate the masks and are missing faces and smiles. Be generous with your smile toward the store staff, they see nothing but masked faces all day and if you have made it past the door they will assume you have been "let in" by the greeter as maskless for a good reason and they are cool with it.