The Handlebar Club Forum

Happens at the pub all the time... If the infidel actually touches it, they owe me a drink.

I always say you can touch it if you get me a drink!

That's what she said. And what he hoped.

Bahaha

Hahaha!!

awesome!

I had a similar experience just a couple of days ago. We were invited to a celebration for the Iranian new year. Since neither me nor my wife are Iranian, lots of people wanted to talk to us and show us around. So, we were already in the middle of a small crowd. Then, all of a sudden, a guy I know (and who is my friend) came from the back and pulled the 'stache pretty strongly. Since there were lots of people there, I didn't want to make a scene and just let it go... But seriously, I think that was beyond any possible cultural difference! I haven't seen him since, but I probably will sometime next week. Do you guys think I should say something to him? Or just pretend nothing happened?

It depends on how well you know the guy. If you know him really well and you are not worried about seeming like you have been brooding about it or creating a rift in the relationship, you could probably bring it up without a problem. I have some friends who I could just say, "Man, when you pulled my moustache that day I felt like kicking your teeth in." And we would laugh and he would apologise. I have other friends who are more like "acquaintances" and I wouldn't think of talking to them that way. If this guy is of the second sort, I would advise dropping it. If he does it again, be sure to say something immediately. Something as simple as, "Ow! That really hurt!" could be enough to elicit an apology...

Andy's Handlebar Freak Show: 25 cents a look, $1 a touch
I always wanted a tshirt with that on it. I don't recall the last time I had any unauthorized contact (sadly I too have no phasers or photon torpedoes, what happened to the future?). Most will ask first unless they are babies then all bets are off (glasses too). Most people know I have my personal space and being a New Englander I'll defend that space but that is me.
I think our style of facial hair is unique enough that people don't stop to think of manners or pain. You could ask them if they would like having their hair grabbed by a stranger and what their reaction might be.
I suspect that people are disconnected from a sense of what is appropriate in person given what people will say over the internet. I try to deflect them good naturedly and since I no longer imbibe, I seldom have to deal with drunks. Even then at concerts they'll ask first.
AndyB, NH.

Andy B: I like the tshirt idea.