Living in a Binary World (or how to talk yourself off a cliff)

There is a common theme out there these days.  Or perhaps 2 themes would be more accurate.
There are the "anyone else have a panic attack just thinking about going out in public right now," and the "why is anyone staying home or wearing a mask when they leave, the pansies".
These two groups are pretty much in hate with each other.
These two groups are not the answer to anything.

I've been living in a binary world for most of my adult life.
It prevents panic attacks
AND
It prevents stupid choices.

You just have to ask the right questions.
Such as:
If I don't have to go out in public?
a. I can stay home--I have plenty of projects, entertaining tech and chores, not to mention food.
b. I can go out in public for whatever I don't have.
If I go out in public wearing a mask, what is the worst that can happen?
a.  Somebody makes fun of me.
b. Nothing happens.
If I go out in public without a mask, what is the worst that can happen?
a. I catch the new novel SARS virus.
b. Nothing happens.
If I catch Covid-19, what is the worst that can happen?
a. I get sick and unwittingly expose my family to the virus during the incubation period.
b. I don't get sick, but unwittingly expose my family to the virus during the incubation period.
If I get so sick I need a ventilator?
a. I die.
b. I don't die but have all the side effects of being on a ventilator for a while plus a huge bill.
If I Die?
a.  I've already paid for the cremation and niche so no worries.
b.  Even if it isn't all handled, I'm dead and we all die sometime.

I've used this method of self-talk for years to keep from suffering escalating anxiety and panic attacks.
It works great.
It also makes it obvious that the social distancing and wearing a mask is the cheapest and easiest choice.

Neither the people with new-onset agoraphobia or the folks making fun of anyone taking any precautions are exhibiting good thinking skills.

Choices!!!!
They are what we have.

Positive effects of sheltering at home

While I know a few people that are ignoring all instructions, and a few people that are fighting it with all their being while recognizing that if the store says mask, wear a mask or if work said to work from home, do so.

I've also met a few that are loving it.  Perhaps that is too strong.

They are recognizing the effects of increased family time.

They are getting to know their kids and spouse.

They are having family movie times and board games and hikes as a family with instructions to not get into other people's spaces.

They are teaching tweens to cook and do lawn care.

They are interacting more and running around less.

It's rather nice.

As long as they still have income and food and utilities and a place to live, it's nice.