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"It's all in your tone of voice,” says Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert and owner of the Protocol School of Texas, who recommends saying something along the lines of, “I'm

so glad you were able to come. I'm making sure everyone wears a mask to keep us safe and comfortable.” Then, offer the guest a disposable mask from your own supply (and yes, be sure to

have those extras handy). SITUATION #2: YOU'RE A GUEST If your host doesn't bring up the topic of mask-wearing before you arrive, then by all means broach the subject yourself. If

you don't feel comfortable with what you hear, beg off with a polite, “I really appreciate the invitation. But I'm staying close to home for now.” “You'll feel better about

yourself for not compromising your own boundaries,” Gottsman says. If you forget to ask, you can ask in the moment. Michael Durand, 73, and his wife, Marlene Zarfes, 64, of New Rochelle, New

York, wore masks to a recent backyard dinner with friends. But after they settled into their seats outside, safely 6 feet from the other couple, Durand asked whether anyone would mind if he

removed his face covering. His hosts gave him their blessing and the group remained without masks while seated. "If they said they preferred we keep our masks on, I would have agreed,”

he says. “The key here is to be respectful of everyone's concerns and respect the science.” So what if you arrive at a party where others aren't complying with the given rules?

Your next step depends on how well acquainted you are. It's fine to approach those you know well directly, gently pointing out their lack of a mask. For guests you've only just

met, take the host aside and ask for help. But if you don't feel comfortable at any point, “It's absolutely OK to leave,” says Daniel Post Senning, an etiquette expert at the Emily

Post Institute. As for your goodbyes, keep them short and to the point, Senning says. As in: “Thanks for having us. We're leaving a bit early because we're taking masks and social

distancing guidelines very seriously."