I recently came across one of Andrew’s older blog posts at Vuurwapen Blog; it’s a well written piece imparting his knowledge and experience when it comes to carrying a concealed firearm and dating. Your mileage my vary, but I identify with his experience — even as a Californian resident.
Four years of dating following a “long-term” relationship, I’ve encountered many women who didn’t mind my hobby. Of those women, I only mentioned to a few that I carry a firearm. However, pocket carry appears to negate possible Mae West moments; therefore, the subject typically never comes up. If I find that my pocket is no longer within arms reach, it never concerned me about how secure my firearm is. Out-of-sight, out-of-mind. I prefer to keep it that way.
In California, shooting guns as a hobby isn’t associated with concealed carry. Concealed carry generally remains an unspoken practice around these parts, and isn’t even a thought for most non-gunnie folk. Common questions have been: What do you like about shooting? When did you start shooting? What kind of guns? How many guns? What do you shoot at? Can I try? I still include firearms on my list of interests, and only once it begged the question, “Are you carrying now?”
Even in an area believed to be relatively anti-gun, I concede that carrying a concealed firearm on a date (or any time for that matter) remains a matter of attitude and confidence. If you’re a douche bag, she’ll think you’re a douche bag with a gun. Similarly, if you’re respectful and confident, most women appear to display no ill affection toward firearm interests.
I’d have to agree that it’s really more a matter of attitude than what you’re packing, when it comes to many women. Personally, I enjoy it when my huz packs his wherever he goes.
Thanks for the confirmation, Dharma. In the end, it’s typically a mind game with yourself, and the champion is often someone who can overcome their perception of how others perceive them. Carry like a boss.
my current partner (almost 2 years now) knew I was very active in the gun community before we started dating. She hates guns, but hey, we cannot choose who we fall in love with. We just work around it and it hasn’t been an issue.