science

The sacrifice would be tiny if the general population made that same tiny sacrifice. Instead they don't bother to ever wear a mask, exponentially increasing the chances they'll spread it to someone else.

I have a family member that relies on me for help as well as a friend that I see weekly. Both are very high risk for COVID complications - family has almost no immune system and friend has a rare clotting disorder. I don't think I would be able to forgive myself if they caught COVID from me.

I also don't want to end up like two other friends of mine with long COVID. They were healthy and extremely active, now they are riddled with problems and had to abandon the activities they used to enjoy (and that I'd really prefer to continue to enjoy myself).

So, yes, avoiding everyone who takes no precautions has become quite a sacrifice. If I was confident that I'd be surrounded by people who were vaccinated and (regularly) wearing N95s I'd feel safer at restaurants, shops, gyms, public transit, parties, maybe even a concert. Instead I do take out or occasionally outdoor dining, minimize my time in most places, and avoid gatherings of any significant size.

Being extremely careful because nobody else is willing to be even a little careful really shrinks your world and it fucking sucks. Alternatively, I could join my dumbass aunt and make fun of people masking at the grocery store immediately after complaining about suddenly, mysteriously being diabetic following her third COVID infection.