 With omicron receding, many states are dropping their mask requirements. If you’re like me, this probably won’t change your behavior. I’m not ditching my mask anytime soon — but the change did make me curious if my mask will offer me enough protection now that everyone around me won't be wearing one. We recently looked into one-way masking in the age of omicron and how much it makes a difference (if any) right now. And speaking of shedding face masks, we’ve got an eye-opening story on whether it’s safe to “go back to normal” after recovering from an omicron infection, as well as info on household COVID spread. Plus, since it is Valentine’s Day, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out how to show yourself a little love today. Read on for all the advice.
❤️,
You Oughta Know  One of the stranger phenomenons with COVID is when one person in a household gets sick while everyone else ends up not getting infected. This happened recently with senior reporter Catherine Pearson — which caused some people in her life to question whether she had the virus in the first place. (But, as she says, “I’m going to believe the, like, seven at-home rapid tests that told me I did.”) Why does this happen? Catherine asked experts to explain.
A Minute And Change Got a spare minute? Use it to change your life. Our “A Minute And Change” series will help you become happier, healthier and more productive by doing one thing a little differently. This week’s tip comes from writer and editor Ashley Simpo on the little indulgence that makes a huge difference in her day:
I like to set my alarm on Saturday mornings for like 8 a.m. It might sound nuts to wake up early when you don’t have to, but I like the stillness of my house at that hour. My son won’t be awake for another few hours. I can make a cup of tea and lie in my bed and read or listen to a podcast undisturbed. I’m not allowed to do anything productive — it’s just for me to fully indulge in whatever brings me peace.
Crushing On This 'Gram 
Before You Go... Read this piece on the common behaviors that secretly make you feel bad about yourself. If your goal is to practice a little more self-love (and it should be), reporter Ashley Broadwater has some advice for you — and it starts with adjusting these habits.
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