Do you ever wonder what someone looks like behind their mask—someone you’re speaking to, but have never met?

As a doctor, I indulge in this amusing activity daily. When we talk to new patients, the brain subconsciously analyses what the rest of their face must look like. Inevitably, at some point in the consultation, every single patient brings down their mask—either because their nose itches, their glasses are fogging, or from an inherent human desire to establish a personal connection—only to confirm to me that reality matches imagination in no way; those you perceive to be clean shaven have a scruffy beard, and those you think might have a sharp jawline have it covered by chubby cheeks instead.