The "I know were I'm going" comment

[rbeau30]

Had a few coworkers say that after they hear about my food and firearm storage. I casually remind them that the firearms are to protect MY food and water. My preps are based on 4 people and 2 dogs, end of f'in story, which I also have to remind my wife of when she says she wants to start up a group with her friends in case SHTF. I'll consider it once I see them start to get their own crap together and have something to contribute.

Don't you like how offended they get too when you tell them the reality of what will happen when they show up? Or that YOU are not preparing for THEM? Yeah, the wife and I gave up on people in general. Every time we associate with people we always end up with the short end of the stick. Now we only worry about us.

[SuperiorDG]

Don't you like how offended they get too when you tell them the reality of what will happen when they show up? Or that YOU are not preparing for THEM? Yeah, the wife and I gave up on people in general. Every time we associate with people we always end up with the short end of the stick. Now we only worry about us.

I think they see them choosing you as some kind of compliment. It's going to be some big party and they are choosing yours to go to because you are the cool ones. The best thing to do is probably go along with their reality and just blow it off. Although I want to tell them to make sure they bring their daughters and wife. Their reality is so short sighted that they probably have no clue what society could be like after a few days without food and water. These encounters just re-enforce my view of how down hill things could go.

[rbeau30]

I think they see them choosing you as some kind of compliment. It's going to be some big party and they are choosing yours to go to because you are the cool ones. The best thing to do is probably go along with their reality and just blow it off. Although I want to tell them to make sure they bring their daughters and wife. Their reality is so short sighted that they probably have no clue what society could be like after a few days without food and water. These encounters just re-enforce my view of how down hill things could go.

That is probably not too far off from the truth. "Ohh everyone wants me around, why wouldn't you?", "You should be glad that someone like me would think to come to your place in a time of need." I really hate to be so isolationist, but unfortunately it is what it is. I am sure living 1000+ miles away from both sides of the family have made us this way. We have relied on ourselves for so long that we would probably live and die alone and together.

I also agree with clodhopper... OPSEC. But, there are a lot of things that people just key in on. People are really good at noticing that you are not the same as everyone else. OPSEC only goes so far.

[clodhopper]

I also agree with clodhopper... OPSEC. But, there are a lot of things that people just key in on. People are really good at noticing that you are not the same as everyone else. OPSEC only goes so far.

Opsec prevents you becoming a topic of general conversation. Low profile in everything that is different from the Joneses. For the things that stand out, develop a few cover stories, like my "too many kids" and "canning is a hobby" examples. Keep them handy and use them enough that they roll out of you smoothly and believably. You would be surprised how quickly most public aspects of prepping are quickly overlooked when the observer classifies you as a bumpkin with possibly a low level of education. Most people have a strong desire to be better/smarter/whatever than the next guy, and when you let them think they have that over you, they pat you on the head and explain, "aren't you so sweet".

I have no problem with someone I don't know (and consequently don't care about) thinking I am a simpleton.

Understand, I am "that guy" in my neighborhood. I have a lot of hobbies like 4x4ing (jeeping) and such. It is common for me to be welding in my garage, building a chicken coop out back, building a stone wall/patio, whatever. It explains why I have lots of tools and am always bringing home supplies. My neighbors have never thought that I may be a prepper. They may think I am warped in the head, but not specifically that I prep. Works for me. Course when something needs fixed, I am the one most of them ask how to do it. Most of my neighbors would be shocked to find out my education level and what I do for a living. And I am fine with that. I prefer to exude the "I have nothing you could want" atmosphere.