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Why Eye-Contact Is Essential When You’re Wearing a Face-Mask
They say that ‘the eyes are the gateway to the soul’ — we now have the opportunity to test that theory.
Before the advent of COVID-19, I could count on one hand the number of times that I’d worn a face-mask and they all involved me sanding some kind of wood during Wood-Work class in high school. The pandemic has forced all of us to become well acquainted with wearing a face-mask and, if legislation in my country is anything to go by, our use of face-masks is only going to increase. On the 15th of June, face-masks became mandatory on public transport throughout England, and on the 24th of June, they will also be mandatory in shops and supermarkets. Additionally, many other public services across England, such as doctor’s surgeries, have made face-masks compulsory for the people using their services. Whilst other countries around the world may have slightly different legislation and guidance in place regarding the wearing of face-masks, it’s fair to say that most of us have to prepare for life in a world where one of the most expressive features of our faces, our mouths, are hidden from view.
I recently wrote about the rare moments of joy I’ve experienced through smiling at strangers (from a socially acceptable distance) during this pandemic. In that…
