My story is simple but I thought it can still fit in this sub:

I never thought I'd encounter this type of person in the wild given that masks are not as politicized from where I am and that culturally we tend to be more collectivist than individualistic (I'm from Asia).That's probably why even though we're no longer mandated to wear masks, many still choose to do so and it's not that unusual to see people wearing them. I think about 50-60% of people you see outside still do. This also makes it extra annoying that this person for some reason, chose me and this moment to blurt out his unwanted advice.

In the apartment complex where I live, they've stopped allowing deliveries straight to our door so our packages have to be claimed from the lobby. I just came from getting our packages and was waiting for the elevator when this man who I don't know at all, so I can't say he's a neighbor, came up to me, looked at my mask, and said "you know it's a beautiful day, why deprive yourself of good oxygen?" or something like that. I didn't answer as it was this moment that the elevator arrived so we both went inside.

So the other reason that I've been wearing a mask was that I have a cold and have been coughing since that morning. My husband has also been in bed for the past 2 days with flu symptoms - fever, cough, chills. So far we're negative in the covid antigen test but we're still trying to be careful since it might still be a contagious virus. The package I claimed from the lobby was the meds I ordered for us both.

I was feeling petty and I know the right thing to do was to keep it on, but I was already tired from being sick and taking care of my husband. So I maliciously complied. Once the doors closed, I took it off and smiled at him, and said "You're right. I have a really a bad cold and the fresh air feels good." It was so satisfying to see him uncomfortable so I continued "and my husband also has the flu and has been in bed.. I hope it's not a contagious virus or something." at this point he wasn't looking at me anymore and just stared at the door lol.

Anyway it wasn't a long elevator ride so I didn't get to say anything else anymore, he had to get out first at the 4th floor (I was headed for the 6th). I'm having mixed feelings - satisfaction and guilt. I hope nobody else gets sick - that's what I'm feeling very guilty about.