I’m going to bite the mask bullet, darlings. It has become politicised, unfortunately, at least in America, so views seem to have become polarised. I haven’t got a strong view, however. I wouldn’t choose to wear one if it isn’t required but I haven’t the least objection if it is. I suspect that this applies to the majority of people in this country. I have learned, over the years, that I am very ordinary and what I think is what most people think.

So if I need to use public transport or my hairdresser wants me to wear a mask or my doctor does, that’s not any problem. As it happens, none of these apply right now because I’m not using the buses and never do unless I’m in London, which I won’t visit any time soon; I don’t need to visit the doctor and my hairdresser will wear a mask so that I don’t have to. But I visit each of those for choice but not for fun and this is my point.

I have had a couple of questionnaires in the last few weeks from art and music establishments that I pay to be friends of. A question asked was whether I’d be more or less likely to visit if required to wear a face covering? I had to say that I’d be less likely.

As I said, I do not object. I do not think it impinges on my personal liberty and I do not believe I’d suddenly feel faint or be more at risk of cancer (yes, I know someone who does, or says she does). But it would diminish my enjoyment. On Friday, I was driving out to pick up the weekly treat of a takeaway from one of our favourite restaurants and I arrived at the end of the drive at much the same time as a young woman was cycling past it. She looked momentarily alarmed in case I drove out in front of her, I had seen her so smiled to reassure her, she smiled back. I had thought about the matter before, but that cemented it. Facial expression matters so much for communication. I don’t mind wearing a mask so much as I mind being surrounded by expressionless people. If need be, that’s fine; but I’m not doing it voluntarily. So no to theatre, cinema, concerts, shopping except locally in small shops, or anything unnecessary.

I went to church this morning. There weren’t many people there, about a dozen or so in the congregation and a few were missing because they’re shielding and others are of an age to, but chose to come anyway because it really matters to them. What struck me was how gorgeous our uncut hair is. It’s beautiful. I’m including me in that, I love how my hair looks. I used to receive compliments on my haircut, now I get them about my hair. It was a good cut back in February, so hasn’t gone wild, but I love its soft fullness and all the other women’s hair was beautiful too, including those whose colour was growing out. I love the softness of grey, too. I do have an appointment at the hairdresser for later this month, but I’ve said I just want a trim, nothing much. In due course when things aren’t so busy, we can talk about a style, but I’ll enjoy being relaxed for a while longer.