I go to 4 different gyms and have a nemesis at each one. Never spoke to them, but they are all DYEL half breeds with features of africans but with red hair, pale skin and freckles. I just have an aversion to them and feel disgust when I see them. 3 of them actually look like clones of each other. I like being in my own world while there for the most part. It's comforting since I'm there to just lift and better myself but I remember pre covid, all gyms were different in terms of more people talking and helping each other if needed. Some lifts don't progress quickly at all so get used to that too. Microplates are a Godsend to help move past plateaus though. 2.5 - 5lb plates will help a lot if you just want to keep progressing. And don't get discouraged if others lift more than you in a shorter amount of time. As long as you are better than you were yesterday, you are doing things the right way. We are all going to make it :)