Spotted...In The Wild!
- Thread starter TakeThisCobAndStuffIt
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Many people are lonely and just want a kind word or some affirmation in a difficult life. It doesn't take much to have a pleasant exchange with someone or share a joke and go on your way. I understand people don't want to get 'involved' but that's not what most people want anyway. Nowadays its even worse with all of the anxiety over the future. People treat you better if your kinder rather than gruff. 2 cents
Takes even less to leave people alone.
If someone's lonely and just wants a kind word or affirmation, they can join a social club where socialization is expected, rather than random other strangers on the street or in the store that are just trying to get through their day. Or they could get therapy, or answer the door when a Mormon or JW comes knocking, or go to a bar, join a book club, join a church... the possibilities are endless as to where socializing with a stranger is expected.
I spent my career hassling folks or helping them. I am no longer concerned with the woes of others. If someone needs emergency assistance I'll revert back to my, no doubted dated, training, and perform as needed. Other than that, I feel no obligation to my fellow man. I'm done sticking my nose in other people's woes unless there is an immediate emergency.
I expect I'm jaded. My cup of the milk of human kindness was upended years ago.
I expect I'm jaded. My cup of the milk of human kindness was upended years ago.
Someone approached me a few weeks ago when I was walking my dogs and smoking a pipe. They started asking about the pipe and I screamed, "You can see me?!" They walked away.
You guys are some cranky ol farts. Lol
I was at a British car show last weekend. An old-timer with a stooped back and cane was walking around the cars and smoking a pipe. I asked him what he was smoking and he said "A little of this and that". I said it looks like you have a Peterson there. (it was a Peterson strummel with a Dr. Grabow stem stuck in it....) He smiled and said, you know your pipes, and kept walking.
You're six years older than me.
I've just had too much people exposure over the past 50 years and I thoroughly enjoy my me time.
As I’ve gotten on I’ve applied some simple rules… one of which is be polite, but don’t pushover. For example, if a stranger comes over to me and invites a bit of conversation…I accommodate to the point which I care to. Usually it might be a person walking their dog in the neighborhood or a patient’s family member asking questions about their loved one. I address them as appropriate and move on. However, in both circumstances I can leave those conversations anytime I wish to. You shouldn’t feel obligated to talk to anyone if you don’t want to. Some folks seek out discourse with strangers…I’m not one of them. However, I’ll entertain their efforts up to the point my time and inclination determines. Take it this way…I’ve seen many “famous” people in the wild and have never gone over to speak to them or annoy them. They are people and just trying to get on I assume without being bothered. I’d treat “regular folks” like Duane, Warren & Sardonicus much the same way. 
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In my years of experience, I've learned to recognize it when I see it.
Edit.. For the record, I generally prefer the company of a dog over most folk. When I'm asked my political leanings, I say "fiscal conservative, social retard"
I have to deal with people every day. I have found a way to make that easier for both parties. My life would be infinitely more difficult if I was socially impolite. I need to survive and get work done in the quickest fastest, easiest way possible. I understand your position and would even agree in some situations but not all. As they say ... YMMV.
When you have an unusual hobby or interest, it is nice to stop and chat with others. If I run across another motorcyclist on his bike, I will say hi and check out his bike. If I pass by a pipe smoker I will do the same.
I'm fascinated you find an interest in pipes and motorcycles to be unusual. I rode a bike, been through Wisconsin a few times back in the day when I could physically and mentally handle one. Had to visit the HD plant and Lambeau at least once. Lots of bikes on the roads back then. Pipe smokers? Rarer of course.
Lots of bikes on the roads back then. Pipe smokers? Rarer of course.
Pipe smoker spotted today. Aberaeron, Wales.
No idea what it was. Other than it was a pipe.
No idea what it was. Other than it was a pipe.
I believe I live in one of the few areas left where MOST men smoke pipes.
Yep, its true, I rarely go a day without seeing a dude smoking a pipe.
I live around a community of Shwartzentruber Amish.
Mostly corn cobs, but many also have briars for home use.
But, many of them smoke the ridiculously inexpensive "pipe tobacco" found at the tobacco outlet shops. Its just cigarette tobacco labeled as pipe tobacco to avoid the NYS rules on cigarettes.
The tobacco is about $10 a pound.
Yep, its true, I rarely go a day without seeing a dude smoking a pipe.
I live around a community of Shwartzentruber Amish.
Mostly corn cobs, but many also have briars for home use.
But, many of them smoke the ridiculously inexpensive "pipe tobacco" found at the tobacco outlet shops. Its just cigarette tobacco labeled as pipe tobacco to avoid the NYS rules on cigarettes.
The tobacco is about $10 a pound.
Just moved a block and a half away from my old place and my new cross-the-street neighbor was clenching a bent billard of some sort and reading the paper. Good Omen.
I was staying at the The Worthington Renaissance Hotel in Fort Worth a lot of moons back. The only smoking section is downstairs at the "drive up" door. It is quite a large area, not unpleasant although busy. I went down there to smoke a pipe, and found a little bench for smokers out of the way and empty. I don't know what I was smoking anymore, but two very nice looking ladies approached me and asked what it was and engaged in a short conversation. They admired the scent, and asked a bit about it and pipes in general. I was married at the time, so it went only as far as pleasantries. Had I been single, I would have shot my shot. I don't mind being approached , in general, by folks asking questions. I am a watch guy, and if I see something interesting on a guys wrist, I never fail to ask about it. Watch guys get it. Pipe guys should, too.
I do that too sometimes, usually at the urinal... "nice watch" I say. Sometimes they want to talk, sometimes they get a strange look on their faces and walk away.
I am always open to making a new friend. Doing that gets harder and harder as time passes and community is important. I'm not going to be friends with someone just because we both smoke, but an icebreaker is an icebreaker, in my opinion.