The more visible we are with our pipes in public, the better - as long as the aroma of our pipes antagonizes no one. Unless we're spotted enjoying our pipes in public spaces, the clichés and stereotypes aren't likely to erode. I think it's beneficial for all of us, regardless of our age brackets, to be seen confidently smoking our pipes wherever smoking is allowed so that the nonsmoking public (as well as closet smokers and potential pipe smokers) see that our hobby spans all age and class demographics.
Of course, I can identify with the hesitation to smoke a pipe in public. In my teens, I'd only venture into a public space with my pipe if I knew I'd only encounter strangers. After I turned 18, I slowly developed the confidence to smoke my pipe on my university campus, on the street, at social events, and - of course - in pipe shops. The peculiar looks inhibited me at first, but I eventually discovered that the vast majority of reactions to my pipe were positive. If anyone took notice of me and my pipe during my teens and 20s, responses would range from a nod to a smile to a compliment; people would remark on the pleasant aroma of my blend, what a nice pipe I was smoking, or how good it was to see a young guy enjoying a pipe. I've honestly encountered very few unfavorable reactions to my smoldering pipe. Although I'm older now, I occasionally get a comment about the incongruity of being "younger" and being a pipe smoker. Go figure - I still take these encounters as compliments!
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. @Bubba, you know how it's like. My birthday is December 4, 1992 (not so great vintage winewise)
