The Handlebar Club Forum

Earlier this afternoon I was introduced to a foreign visitor from another english-speaking country. He immediately commented positively on my 'tache and simultaneously gave the end a gentle well-meaning tug. The latter caught me off-guard and in that instant evoked a rush of emotions - surprise, vulnerability (of the 'tache), anger, relief and calm.

How might you have responded verbally.

"Whoa, good thing I'm not in the shower room."

Cheers,

Bob

...and, umm, what was your verbal response?

I'm sorry, one human being who does not know the other must never touch; I mean, where does this individual get off? What would possibly possess someone to think that they could do such a thing. Sounds like he's a member of the village idiot clan to me.

Now, from my perspective, if it had been an attractive or interesting woman...chuckle.

Seriously, would love to hear of your response - other than the emotions you felt.

Brilliant! Wished I could have been that quick-witted. Thx M'Bob.
Just wondering where the inspiration came from - much of that go on in the shower room where you come from, is there?

I agree Gunner, there exists a gentleman's agreement as to certain rules of conduct - an unwritten Code of the Handlebar, not unlike the Code of the West. It was the latter that I drew inspiration from, specifically:

Never try on another man's hat.

Riding another man's horse without his permission is nearly as bad as making love to his wife, never even bother another man's horse.

After first thanking him for the compliment, I promptly enlightened him vis-à-vis the Code, as it applies to a man's handlebar. He was immediately apologetic and appeared relieved he wasn't sitting in the dirt. We got on quite amicably after that.

Touche! No slouch in the wit department are you, amigo.

Cheers,

Bob

Yes, there seems to be a complete disconnect for some concerning social protocols (social etiquette/manners) in the post-modern world. I am not surprised that you handled the situation with such cool aplomb. Well, at least he learned something that will benefit him in the future.

"It wouldn't have bothered me as much if he'd have taken the other nag."

Cheers

Of course we know a lot of people have their individual sensibilities as to what is okay to touch regarding another person. Also, non-Americans tend to have a much smaller "personal space" and will often stand closer and touch more freely. I've had a couple of strangers - ladies - reach out and touch my stache and said nothing to them about it. A man (or tipsy woman) trying to touch it would be met with "Evasive maneuvers, Mr. Sulu!" and raise my force field (hand) to intercept. Or phasers. Wait, I don't have phasers. Damn. If the interloper had succeeded in touching my nacelle I would have just given him a politely dirty look, conveying the word, "Really?" and maybe say, "Ooo, no touchie!" If he tried to dismiss my objection I would fire a photon torpedo and ask, "Would you think it was okay to stroke my hair? I didn't think so." Wait, I don't have photon torpedos.

By the way, have you guys done the survey at my blog? Get your butts over there.

Classic, I'll try and file that away for future use should the need arise.

I have had the occasional unknown lady ask if she could feel my moustache but am glad they asked first if only for the sake of matrimonial harmony. I would not be at all best pleased if an unknown man asked to do so let alone if an attempt was made without asking ...I think I would probably be quite offended.

I, as well, would not appreciate someone touching, or grabbing my stache, especially without permission. I HAVE had people ask to do so though, and I obliged them. But sheesh, the amount of work/grooming you do each day with it (especially if you wax), I certainly wouldn't appreciate someone grabbing at it and possibly messing it up, lol.

Kind of like being a pregnant woman and everyone wanting to touch your belly...

Exactly Allen, that's exactly it! lol

I empathise with the outrage. I wear braces - suspenders to you guys over in the States - and some people with whom I work feel they have the right to 'ping' them and think it's actually funny!

Yeah, a tug is not nice! Last weekend I had an experience similar to that. A friend of mine's boyfriend gave my 'tache a good unexpected tug. I don't know him very well and was close to punching the guy. However I didn't, since I am good friends with his girlfriend. So I respond verbally, telling him that I thought he was *insert many expletive here*

He did say sorry. Maybe he didn't realise how hard he tugged, since he was drunk - but I am not sure. Bloody Irish! However, bar that everyone I have met/know normally ask if they can touch it.

Last night a good friend of mine gave mine a strong tug, I even had to lean to the side and he got a few precious hairs on his fingers, wiping it out after.

I know he didn't mean it intentionally, but I feel your pain, chaps. I think they do it because, for them, it is comical and they must make some cartoon moustache tug. Funny thing is, socially, nobody would pull your hair.