My Face Doesn’t Look Good as I Age, So I Can’t Take My Mask Off
Dear Troubleshooter: I’m a part-time female worker in my mid-60s. For the past 6½ years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I haven’t been able to stop wearing a mask whenever I go out.
A part-time worker in her mid-60s has developed a habit of wearing a mask whenever she goes out for the past 6½ years. This is not due to concerns about COVID-19 infection, but rather because she is self-conscious about looking old. During a recent lunch with a friend, she removed her mask and was told she looked "worn out," along with comments about her makeup.
Despite her regular haircuts and efforts to maintain a neat appearance, the woman has become afraid to take off her mask. She envies her younger colleagues and is well aware that her skin has sagged, wrinkles have increased, and she has more age spots than she did in her 50s. However, she hesitates to accept these changes.
The woman suggests that dark circles under the eyes can be improved with a good night's sleep and facial massages during baths. She emphasizes that neatness and good manners are key to presenting oneself well. She agrees that graying hair, receding gums, and bad breath can give off an impression of being unsanitary, but she has no intention of undergoing cosmetic treatments to look younger.
The woman believes that facial wrinkles and age spots are a natural part of life and does not wish to go against the laws of nature. She even suggests that someone trying too hard to look young may appear pitiful and unnatural. The woman encourages others to show their faces with confidence, as their facial expressions are more important than wrinkles or age spots at their age. She hopes that those in their 60s can embrace their natural appearance and let their character shine through.
Written by urgent.news from The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
