Re: “Is it normal to wear a mask because it is a comfort item for you? My mom thinks there is something wrong with me.”
Let’s just get this out-of-the-way: There is nothing “wrong” with you! There are several valid reasons to wear a mask at any given time. In my own case, some people may find it strange to see me wearing my mask outside during the spring and summer. If they knew me, they would know that I discovered the KN95 ito be a really effective way to control my allergy symptoms— something I would not have even thought of pre-pandemic. This is a case where the behavior is what’s called “adaptive“. Adaptive behaviors are the ways we interact with our environment that ease anxiety without interfering with our ability to function. Maladaptive behaviors are ones we do for the same reasons as adaptive behaviors, but are more harmful to us than helpful (often not helpful at all). Maladaptive behaviors interfere with our ability to function in society. In some cases, maladaptive behavior can affect the people around us negatively. I think what you may be askin...