Nervous about the pipe show Saturday

[irishsmoker]

I'm new to the whole pipe show thing. And since my return from Afghanistan I've suffered from ptsd. So large crowds intimidate me. Can someone who's been to a show let me know what I'm in for to put my mind at ease? I know it sounds silly but its true.

 

[danno]

Sorry to hear about the PTSD. Just remember than you can always leave and go chill.

Pipe smokers tend to be a mellow bunch.

I'd be more afraid to bring my wallet.

 

[bigvan]

No problem, irish.
I've never been to the St. Louis Show, but I've been to others (Chicago and Columbus). SL is known as a one of the more moderate shows; not NEARLY the crowds of Chicago. There will probably be a crowd at the door when the show starts, so maybe give it an hour or so to get settled. Then just take it slow. The guys are all VERY friendly and not "in your face". Just focus on the pipes.
Trust me, it's FUN!

 

[irishsmoker]

Well I will be the short red headed guy wearing a white tshirt with a black vest walking with a cane. Feel free to introduce yourselves if you see me.

 

[mluyckx]

Irish: good luck and thanks for the service.

 

[spartan]

Wear 3 or 4 nicotine patches and you should be fine. :D
On a more serious note; Sorry to hear about your PTSD, but Thank You for giving so much for this wonderful crazy country of ours.
If you were afraid of crowds then I would try to see what kind of building it's being held in. I'm not sure which you are less intimidated by, a small building with a lot of people in it, or a big building with a lot more people in it but less crowded?
I would go just to see what's up and bail when you start to feel uncomfortable.
Best of luck to you.

 

[lonestar]

I bet you will be Ok.

Being around so many friendly faces might be just what you need. It might help you wrap your brain around overcoming some of the stress you're dealing with.

Either way, I'm sure you'll feel welcomed.

Good luck, have fun (wish I could make it!)

 

[irishsmoker]

Thanks guys I appreciate the support. Its usually large crowds in general. Lonestar you might be right, it may just be what I need.

 

[bigvan]

I don't know if this helps, but when I went to my first show, it hit me that EVERYONE there was JUST LIKE ME. Different ages,different backgrounds maybe, but we all were there for the same purpose.

 

[smokindawg]

Irish, I'll be there and have been the last six shows. St. Louis is a good show. Good folks too. One wall of the building is all windows. You can smoke insideso that will keep you at ease. Plus there are plenty of exits so that you can get fresh air any time you need. Look me up. Buddy and I have tables and would be an honor to smoke and chat with you. I'll be the guy with crutches and a cast on his leg. Any certain questions about the show feel free to PM me.

 

[smokindawg]

It was good to meet you at the show I hope you had as good a time as it appeared that you did.

 

[ohin3]

Sorry to hear about your condition. I say go and just be very honest with the folks around you. Pipe smokers are generally a courteous, reasonable and compassionate bunch. If you feel freaked, just tell the people around you how you feel and why you feel that way and I just bet everyone will do whatever they can to help you. Go brother, go and enjoy the enjoyable things in life.