I went into work today and got made fun of for being a prepper..

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Silver_Dave219@reddit

People laughed at me for spending $400-800 on bluetti power stations. When the Santa Ana winds came in and knocked out the power, they were all scrambling around trying to find generators only to find out they were all sold out at Home Depot and Lowe’s.

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Temujin_123@reddit

Bomb cyclone hit PNW last winter, and my family had heat, lights, and hot showers powered from my Bluetti + transfer switch (with Bluetti trickle charged from my EVs). My neighborhood ended up getting power sooner than others (perks of living near substation), but i figure i would have been fine for at least a week or so.

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maddprof@reddit

Now you just need to add some portable panels to your kit and that week could have been several...

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Temujin_123@reddit

It's on my list, but lower since I can charge my Bluetti from my EVs (~200W) as well as my ICE (1kw). I'm debating on whether a small Honda generator or dual fuel generator is better than a few panels for the extended outage (1+ week) scenario.

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Unique-Sock3366@reddit

Absolutely.

I helped two colleagues locate and select generators after Helene. They were very lucky to find anything.

Forethought and planning relieve much unnecessary stress.

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Ghostbaby_xo@reddit (OP)

Definitely! Our generator has made a world of difference for us

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Lo_jak@reddit

Who gives a shit, make fun all they like until they need something from you...... try not to let people know you're a prepper tho.

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smokeymcdugen@reddit

Crazy how anyone can make fun of a prepper after we all experienced covid mania at the grocery stores. Empty shelves and products that were restricted.

I had a bunch of freeze dried food, so I was not stressed about it at all. I got what I could and didn't have to stand in lines.

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13-14_Mustang@reddit

This is exactly why we need to prep. The majority of people didnt learn anything from covid. They probably think that is the worst scenario that could ever happen.

We need to prepare for dealing with their panic when they realize its to late to prep. Its gonna be crazy.

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06210311200805012006@reddit

Shitloads of people experienced Katrina directly and didn't change a thing afterwards.

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13-14_Mustang@reddit

Grew up on the gulf coast. How some people dont prep blows my mind. Like we must be different species of people or something.

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boytoy421@reddit

Here's the thing though: it was also a lot of the people with the apocalypse bunkers and the arsenals and the 50,000 pounds of rice who when the CDC was like "the best way to get through this is to like stay home and play video games and get doordash and instacart and if you need to go out just like wear a face mask" were like "how DARE THEY! muh freedumz! It's my Jesus given right as an American to go to sea world and lick everyone in the face!"

So like combined with the fact that there's a not insignificant number of preppers who maybe could use some medication makes the whole group pretty easy fodder for mockery.

Especially the like TEOTWAKI preppers not the "bad storm" preppers

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smsff2@reddit

Many people died simply because there was no one nearby with a bunker, an arsenal, and 50,000 pounds of rice.

Let me tell you a story. After the Chernobyl disaster, my grandparents took in a family of refugees. They lived together for many years. The amount of resources a person needs to survive is almost unimaginable.

Do you have an extra room in your house for someone to live in? My grandparents did—always. They were Holocaust survivors. They never turned down a request for shelter, because they knew all too well that people who are turned away often die.

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preppers-ModTeam@reddit

You are undermining emergency preparedness efforts. You need to stop. Emergency preparedness has saved countless lives.

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smokeymcdugen@reddit

there's a not insignificant number of preppers who maybe could use some medication

That's for any group of people and I doubt that it's any higher than another group of people with some other ideal. The difference is the wackos in groups where you think there aren't any are actively managed by the group, but preppers are typically libertarian leaning, meaning that we let people do what they want as long as you don't affect others. So it only seems like preppers have more crazy people.

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Aint2Proud2Meg@reddit

That plus people calling the first wave of people buying everything up “preppers”. That drives me crazy because like, by definition they clearly are not?!

Most modern day prepping is just how people lived when they only went “into town” once a month or whatever. People a couple generations back would probably call us silly for giving it a name.

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nanneryeeter@reddit

Stay home and get instacart is one of the most out of touch things any official can say.

There is an entire supply chain behind an instacart delivery.

If everyone just stayed home and ordered this would be over!

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Federal_Refrigerator@reddit

Hasty generalization

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GirlWithWolf@reddit

It was before I moved here but Texas had their power go out for days in sub zero temps. I’ve talked to some that had to burn furniture and toys to stay warm.

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what_is_my_purpose14@reddit

It’s all fun and games until folks can’t wipe their asses because of a run on toilet paper

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Ghostbaby_xo@reddit (OP)

The only people that know are my fiancé and Reddit. I’ve talked to a different coworker about getting a couple things related to hurricane preparedness but my fiancé just blatantly told the coworker mentioned before that I’m prepping.. we definitely had to have a conversation afterwards about him telling my “secrets”

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boytoy421@reddit

Unless you live in like Kansas hurricane prepping is very reasonable. They're no joke and they're getting worse

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New_in_ND@reddit

North Dakota here…. No hurricanes, but it gets COLD! I imagine we need many of the same items for personal use.

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Itry_Ifail_Itryagain@reddit

HURRICANE?! You're suppose to start prepping around May. Is he knew to hurricanes? Or do you guys not typically get them?

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Ghostbaby_xo@reddit (OP)

I’m in Florida so yeah, hurricanes are a big thing to prep for as well as other things.. idk why my coworker hasn’t started thinking about this till now. They’ve gone through multiple hurricanes and never prepped anything or thought about anything until the other day lol.

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ground_ivy@reddit

I live in an area that gets hurricanes, but not usually until late summer/fall. Plenty of time now to stock up on D batteries and water.

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Lo_jak@reddit

The only people that know about my prepping are the ones that live in my house and my next door neighbour. As well as being great neighbours for 20+ years he's a really practical guy whereas I'm very tech savvy and organised with my preps. Combining our skill sets means that we can cover almost any problem.

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Droidy934@reddit

That's the kind of people you need in your clan,well done.

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Lo_jak@reddit

I know ! I've told him he cant leave lmao

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Fogomos@reddit

And the question is... Why is it your fiance? Does he respect you? Does he help you? Does he understand what privacy means?

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Guerrera-777@reddit

Yes is a subject that cannot be said to anyone i think like that,some things should be kept in private its very dangerous of saying them.

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brainbyteRO@reddit

THIS !!!

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YaKillinMeSmallz@reddit

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SaintVeritasAequitas@reddit

It doesn't matter what other people think. They won't be laughing or making fun of you when terrorists start sabotaging our infrastructure. Or the grid just fails. Look at all the flashing lights all over the world. Seriously, my motto is from the movie The Last Boy Scout. It goes "Well, there's not much more to tell than that. Water's wet, the sky's blue. And old Satan Claus, Jimmy, he's out there. And he's just getting stronger." Older movie, but it applies perfectly to our crumbling society. I gravity filter all my water, rain barrels, 2 years of 25 year shelf life food, 50 gallons stored water, solar generators, gas generator, etc, etc, etc. I don't give a shit what people think of it. The next power outage that is extremely serious will bring all the doubters knocking on your door. Protect yourself. The possibility of SHTF is imminent at this point.

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Classic-Anything-169@reddit

People buy insurance, and that isn't dumb. This is just a different kind. Remind them of the toilet paper shortage and how stupid they all looked while you just went to the stash and got another roll.

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Clean-Insurance7284@reddit

If your ‘fiancée’ isn’t on board, id consider finding a more relatable one. It sounds like it’s hard to keep things private with your current living situation, but id do what you can. Prepping is more of a don’t ask don’t tell activity, because the more people who know makes everything you have devalue quickly. Hopefully you can mitigate issues in the future, as security of preps is a pretty serious concern for most in this community.

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HarpyCelaeno@reddit

You need to keep that information quiet otherwise everyone and their momma will be running to your place if shtf.

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AZdesertpir8@reddit

I just tell people that theres nothing wrong with being prepared for any situation. Like the boy scouts say. If it makes your life easier when the world is going sideways, its worth it.

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baddeeds@reddit

As the great philosopher RuPaul Charles said, "If you stay ready, you ain't gotta get ready."

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Ghostbaby_xo@reddit (OP)

I always say “it’s better to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it”

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Express-Dog-4762@reddit

I say the same thing to my children, hopefully it sinks in.

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Aint2Proud2Meg@reddit

My husband and mother both liked to tease me for prepping, I had to explain to them that that’s fine and I’ll put on my best foil hat and join in, but you don’t do it publicly.

My husband stopped teasing me after about the third time an issue came up and he said “oh! We should probably get x now” and I was like “why? We have plenty. It’s more expensive right now because everyone just heard the news you heard and are going to buy it.”

My mom finally stopped when my stepdad corrected her. In short was like “why are you making fun of her for being smart? Why would you tell people her family is prepared and put them in danger?”

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Guerrera-777@reddit

Very true keep doing what u are doing.

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krookery@reddit

THIS.

If we wake up tomorrow somehow living in a perfect utopia, prep supplies can still be used. But if we wake up tomorrow and civilization has crumbled, you'll have a head start on everyone. Win-win.

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mauro_oruam@reddit

Do not tell people what you have. Even in a minor natural disaster they may coming looking for you asking for help and to share your resources.

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Same-Joke@reddit

Rule number one. Don’t let anyone know you’re prepping.

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Old_Ad5426@reddit

Girl with wolf said.here Week of No electric power in Texas during the deep freeze ( by Southern standards) made her consider the importance of preparing for issues. My daughter her husband and kids were able to fill up the water Bob tub size container with knowledge that they had no electricity and soon enough the water flow was going to fade. I trained her in basic preparing for just such an issue

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Express-Dog-4762@reddit

I live in Southern California so we are often enough, hit by destructive earthquakes. I have on numerous occasions tried to have discussions with my friends about being prepared for these events. All I ever get in response is, you're crazy, you're over reacting, what are you worried about? FEMA will take care of us. Sometimes I even get some dim light say, "I guess I should do something." As I write this, I am in the second day of testing my new pure sine inverter and new deep storage battery setup powering up my refrigerator. So fa r so good. Woke up early today and decided to read a book so decided it was a good chance to my emergency blackout lighting equipment. Another success.

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Longjumping-Army-172@reddit

Literally everybody at work knows I'm a prepper. During our last semi-emergency, people at other sites were completely freaking out. Not only were things completely under control at my site, we were just short of having a party.

This idea of keeping everything secret is part of what gives preppers a "bad name" if you will.

Yes. People will come to us looking for help in bad times. Is that a bad thing? We're social creatures that are supposed to help each other out in crisis. Just be prepared to draw lines and hold them.

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Kind_Fox820@reddit

I get what you're saying, and I'm fully prepared to help others should the time come. I still don't run my mouth about my preps, one because I don’t want to get swamped with people needing things from me, and two because I want to be in control of what I share. I don’t want anyone thinking of my preps as their preps.

Am I going to turn away my neighbor in an emergency? No. Do I want to be responsible for feeding the whole neighborhood? Also, no.

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joshak3@reddit

At work I became known as the person to see if you needed things like band-aids, screwdrivers, a tape measure, or a multitool. I never called it prepping, but there are worse reputations to have.

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Fit_Acanthisitta_475@reddit

This shows how long is the people memory’s. I guess they never feel the Covid.

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RossCollinsRDT@reddit

how do they even know? thought rule one was don't talk about it. Be ready when shtf for them to show up on your doorstep empty handed.

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Jenothy@reddit

I'd ask your fiancé to not mention your incoming packages again to anyone you work with. They likely didn't think of the consequences of acquaintances knowing about what you have, whether those folks agree with it outwardly or not.

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KitehDotNet@reddit

I was prepped for nuclear war when 300,000 "nonessential" workers got locked out of work in Nevada on March 12th 2020 - June 2023. I went homeless and my preps kept me alive until we were "allowed" to go back to work. Prep like your life depends on it, because it does.

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FrankRat4@reddit

“The man who sleeps with a loaded gun under his pillow is a fool every night but one.”

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PerformanceDouble924@reddit

Your fiance needs to stfu.

Telling people you're avidly prepping just means people know your place is a lootbox when disaster hits.

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NiciBDisney@reddit

To those people I would say, ignorance is bliss I suppose. 😂 Sorry you had to experience that. Maybe have a chat with your fiancée about being more discreet! ;)

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hypothermicyeti@reddit

Screw them, being self sufficient and trying to better your knowledge and skills is nothing to be embarrassed about.

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Face2098@reddit

Wait for the power to go out for a few days. Then “complain” about how it took you ten whole minutes to make a pot of coffee. “Complain” how your home internet was lagging when you were streaming a show. Really rub it in that your dogs were blocking your air conditioning. Meanwhile, they have been miserable. Prepping isn’t just for end of days. It’s for when the power goes out on Tuesday and doesn’t come back on till Friday.

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JASHIKO_@reddit

I just ignore it. They'll move on before too long.
But sure as shit if anything happens expect them all to come begging for help.

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Moist-Golf-8339@reddit

And if they ever say, "If anything goes wrong I'm going to OP's house!"
You can say, "You'll be turned away if you come empty handed."

I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "I'm going to _____'s farm if shit ever hits the fan." I always say that: "Don't come empty handed."

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matchstick64@reddit

Laugh it off and downplay it. The less of a deal you make of it, the less inquisitive they'll be later.

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CreativeEmotion13@reddit

Prepper or not prepper this is just something that happens in life that can be applied to so many different aspects and somebody already said it "who gives a shit". This should not be your concern and you should talk to your girlfriend and ask her to respect what you believe in and if not maybe you need to go different directions

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Moist-Golf-8339@reddit

Oof that's annoying. I work in the outdoor industry, so it would be easier for me to blend in any prepping and say it's for camping. ....though most of my co-workers are preppers in a way, too. (We also make and sell tactical nylon goods.)

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HamRadio_73@reddit

The first rule of prepping is never talk about prepping

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rfox93@reddit

Bro, I’m from Western North Carolina, about 8 months ago we got a historic weather event that never happens in our neck of the woods.

A hurricane veered inland to the mountains with intensity, then stalled out after hitting the cold front, and proceeded to dump 20 trillion gallons of water into the Appalachian mountains… that’s a year of Niagara Falls water output in 24 hours.

Entire towns were wiped off the face of the planet. Cell towers were washed down the mountain. Dried creeks became rushing white water rivers filled with debris and dead bodies. And rivers became storm surged super rivers.

I’m glad I was mostly prepared. Had plenty of food, water and entertainment for the long wait before amenities were restored. Just didn’t stock up on fuel because it’s hard to in an apartment with no storage.

Next time someone tells you you’re dumb for prepping tell them natural disaster preparedness is just common sense when all 50 United States deals with natural disasters. And that not being able to survive one because of ignorance is fucking dumb.

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WonderingOctopus@reddit

Propble now is they all know where you like and that you have preps.

That means in a serious situation they are all going to come knocking on your door. It's put you and your preps at risk.

That's my biggest concern.

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Specialist_Good_3146@reddit

This. I don’t tell anyone I’m a pepper outside of family

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Unique-Sock3366@reddit

I don’t even give anyone my address.

We moved states two years ago for a reason. We value our privacy and don’t want to be found.

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smellswhenwet@reddit

Same here. We moved out of SoCal 5 years ago. We were tired of being abused as taxpayers and sick of being told what I can’t buy.

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elitodd@reddit

If SHTF I’ll Reddit dm you demanding some preps

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Ghostbaby_xo@reddit (OP)

I’m hoping me playing it off as a joke and acting like I don’t know what they’re talking about threw them off.

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Doismelllikearobot@reddit

The way OP should have "dealt with this" is by telling his fiance it's dangerous to talk about this hobby.

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Hot_Cantaloupe4417@reddit

It’s sad. People talk so much shit but when something comes up you’re the person they need something from.

Honestly, if you can keep it more to yourself, the better. It’s your business what you prepare for. My wife didn’t get it really either at first but after those big hurricanes, she stopped making comments, at least out loud 🤷🏻‍♂️

Carry on brother

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miikememe@reddit

your fiance just ruined the #1 rule of prepping, don’t tell anyone

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muddy1one@reddit

Maybe start with addressing your concerns with your fiancé

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Sar_of_NorthIsland@reddit

"Oh, I just prep for (insert local potential disaster here). Doesn't everyone?"

In the Bay Area, I said earthquakes. Here in my lower Midwest rust-belt city, I say storms and infrastructure failures. If you're prepping for more serious things, keep that to yourself.

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Poppins101@reddit

Your fiancé needs to keep their mouth shut on your personal business.
Tell your coworker you appreciate their opinion and you donated all the frivolous prep stuff.

Find a different place to get your packages.

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Unicorn187@reddit

Ignore it. Then ignore them when theres major earthquake/hurricane/tornado/whatever in your area and they come begging fornhelp.

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Mean_Peen@reddit

Everyone is scared but the need for things to be normal, is just too much for a lot of people.

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NoUseForAName2222@reddit

I just brushed it off and kept the joke going

That's how you handle it.

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Ridiculouslyrampant@reddit

Being able to laugh at oneself and take an ego hit (intended, actual, or any) is a skill in and of itself.

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SituationSad4304@reddit

I’d have gone “so you never have intrusive thoughts about never being ready enough for an emergency? That in a hurricane or flood or fire you’d just be fine without any clean water or food? I don’t know if that lucky because you probably sleep better than me or stupid”

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SituationSad4304@reddit

Yes I take anxiety meds but literally prepping is preparing for scenarios you foresee

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Ridiculouslyrampant@reddit

“Yes I already have professional help. They’re fine with it so long as I don’t get carried away.”

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nutherfakeun@reddit

Tee hee "death with this" - Freudian slip 🙃 (I joke!)

Hope coworker forgets soon, and time for a convo with the fiance, like others have said.

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pwn_plays_games@reddit

First rule of prep club is don’t talk about prep club.

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kewlaz@reddit

Did you have the talk to your "fiancé" about not telling people?

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Ghostbaby_xo@reddit (OP)

Yes I did

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osirisrebel@reddit

I want them to think I'm bat shit crazy. When shit goes south, my prep is not your scapegoat and I am not your hero.

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0HAO@reddit

https://www.ready.gov/kit If they want a serious conversation send them this link and tell them the government suggests being at least prepared to this level. Do they have these things ready?

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nakedonmygoat@reddit

It's not for your fiancé to tell others about your prep. This isn't because starving hordes are likely to show up at your doorstep someday, since that's not how people typically behave in a crisis, but because the last thing you need is damage to your workplace reputation.

There's definitely a sort of coworker who is always looking for a way to stab other people in the back so they can get ahead, and painting you as some sort of wild-eyed paranoid lunatic is a good way to do it. Heck, I had someone try to make me out to be "vain" just because I mentioned I had scored a couple of like-new cashmere sweaters for $15 apiece at a thrift store one weekend.

But honestly, if your prep is, or could plausibly be, for a normal disaster for where you live, your coworkers are the fools and you'll eventually have the last laugh. Heck, my own husband thought my hurricane prepping was ridiculous...until we got a hurricane.

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Ghostbaby_xo@reddit (OP)

Exactly.

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Fabulous_Celery_1817@reddit

That sucks. I hate when people don’t mind their own. I’ve spoken about it to co workers before and almost everyone has expressed envy and enthusiasm. Do they actually feel that? Idk.

So long as the co worker doesn’t make things weird I’d keep at it. Tho it’d be best to keep on the down low what type of stuff your prepping. Is there a different place to accept delivery drop offs? We had to evacuate one time and we were READY. Unfortunately other people also knew that so they begged us for supplies.

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Ghostbaby_xo@reddit (OP)

I could get a P.O. Box in town or something. Everything was fine until my fiancé opened their mouth.. we’ve gotten quite a bit of packages lately not only because of stuff I’m ordering for preps, but also stuff we need for the house. I just wish he didn’t say anything.

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CultOfCurtis1@reddit

Who cares? I don't "handle it." When SHTF even a little, they'll either look to you for help or wish they could. Stop caring what anyone else thinks. If you need something to reply with, "It's better to be related and not need it, than to need it and not be prepared."

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Ghostbaby_xo@reddit (OP)

Yesss thank you

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Dangerous-School2958@reddit

They're likely still using the pallet worth of toilet paper they bought during covid and are projecting

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Ghostbaby_xo@reddit (OP)

Hahaha that’s a good one

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Almost-Uncirculated@reddit

You have failed in one important prep. Your fiance is a big mouth and you haven't properly accounted for that. Get her mouth shut about it.
When the SHTF, this dude goes to the top of the "pay no mind" list.

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prettyuser@reddit

So I bought x5 5gallon gas cans the other day and a lot of people were asking me why. I would just reply, man, I hope im wrong, but im just preparing for the worse. There is no shame in being wrong. I would NEVER want to experience a SHTF moment. Cool thing is, I go camping ever so often so a lot of my prep stuff can be used for that and so every so often I'll pull from my supply for small trips.

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Thoth-long-bill@reddit

Tell your fiancé to shut up or you’ll give his food away.

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therealjonathank@reddit

I’ve seen the other side too where I had a coworker say their neighborhood has a vetting process so all of them are prepped or are preparing for SHTF situations together. Like a loose neighborhood compound/cult where there has to be contribution to the mission. Thought that was a little odd and could be awesome to be a part of or one of the first places to collapse from small scale drama. You do you. In the end it’s all about balancing your normal life and the what if’s and not worrying about anyone else’s opinion unless it also helps you prepare or feel prepared.

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Ok_Cryptographer9424@reddit

I would just be careful because if things get sticky, they know you’re prepared and know where you live (since you work in the same place)

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BreakinTheSlate@reddit

No, because the first rule of Prep Club-

I never have experienced this.

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Proper-Skill7062@reddit

You can never be too prepared... It's always better to have something than to have nothing. Even small preps count, you don't need to be doomsday prepper... But if they make fun of you for it, It wouldn't matter because it should give you peace of mind that if something were to occur you have that backup plan.

Everybody's situation is different, for example I have a family. So for me being prepared means a lot more than what people think of me. If I could take the embarrassment for you I would, because personally for me I wouldn't be embarrassed about any of that stuff. People judge all the time and people have their own hobbies anyway.

What's the difference between you spending money on something that could be insurance, while others spend money on entertainment such as video games or people that spend money on a pack of cigarettes everyday. I feel like if it is worthwhile to you, The prep should be worth it. Don't let it discourage you. Protect yourself and your family.

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EggDintwoe@reddit

People used to make fun of me for having a swiss army knife on me at all times... until the moment came when they had to ask me to borrow it.

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MagHagz@reddit

i wouldn’t be worried about what people think about you prepping. i would be worried that people KNOW. shame on your wife, that’s uncool.

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I_am___The_Botman@reddit

"lol, yeah it's ridiculous right" then say something like "that's you scratched off the list of people I'll help when. The shit hits the fan"

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tubbis9001@reddit

No one likes paying for insurance until they actually need it. That's how I treat my preps, as simple as they may be.

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Vikingkrautm@reddit

I used to think preppers were crazy. With the world the way it is now, both politically and with climate change, I think it's beginning a necessity.

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EmotionalAd5920@reddit

ask them if the save money for emergencies? or have insurance. if they do then theyre a prepper.

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General_Raisin2118@reddit

They laughed at Noah too

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funnysasquatch@reddit

You laugh and enjoy your friends. Friends make fun of each other. It's how humans show affection to one another.

Nor was it a situation to bring up why you should be prepared.

Just relax and enjoy life. Otherwise, there's no point to prepping if you are always going to be miserable anyway.

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flat_brainer@reddit

Now you know who they really are? Sorry for your problems though, i wish you the best.

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Vegetaman916@reddit

Yes, always keep the joke going. And thus helps you get your other prep list together, which is the one that shows who gets helped during bad times and who gets left by the roadside. I wouldn't muster even the tiniest fraction of GAF for anyone who jokes about preparedness.

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SheistyPenguin@reddit

I think it's only coming up because you are getting stuff delivered to work, and at a workplace people will latch onto ANYTHING unusual or interesting. Because the alternative is... work.

Dude doesn't really care what you are buying.

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onthesylvansea@reddit

I genuinely don't understand what there is to make fun of about it. I grew up really rural, maybe the ability and desire to be as independent and capable as possible is so extremely foreign to these people that it actually seems silly to them?

Maybe they live such a mild life they've never gotten caugt in a situation that sucked or they wish had turned out different?

To me that seems like they've actually lost both their natural survival instincts and any knowledge that theoretically could help substitute for the same.

People are weird and illogical.

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renee4310@reddit

Are you saying you live at your work?

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BrandynWayne@reddit

“Hey guy, listen. There are people who don’t believe the supply chain can collapse and there are people who watched it collapse five years ago.”

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TheLostExpedition@reddit

They made fun of Noah, shat makes anyone else any different. No one is laughing when they have nothing and you have an over abundance.

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ResponsibleBank1387@reddit

Buying things to use later, just like a retirement account. Saving to have it later.

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b18bturbo@reddit

I usually tell people I don’t mind being prepared or lightly prepared for what life throws at me so next time they make fun of you tell them they are welcome to a room in your 20 person under ground bunker but tell them you like to walk around naked so don’t judge. I would joke about it because it’s not a big deal don’t let your ego or emotions get the best of you.

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RealSpingirl@reddit

I just ignore it. Even my partner makes of me wanting to prep (which kinda makes sense since we live in a big European city that has been targeted in wars before), but I just let it go and order my stuff lol.

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Decent_Car_1146@reddit

You will be the one laughing later…

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Unique-Sock3366@reddit

Tell them that you need to prep a lot of spices to make their salty carcass palatable after the apocalypse… 😏

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psionicdecimator@reddit

Yep. People take the piss. Then always come to you when they need something. Oh well . Maybe if you prepped you wouldn't have this problem

Its a mindset thing. A lot of people are preppers without knowing it. However the prepping mentality is when people think you hoard guns and food

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AmoebaAble2157@reddit

You aren't supposed to tell people. Especially, not work people.

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PMMEYOURDOGPHOTOS@reddit

Tell your fiancé to STFU

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Specialist_Welder215@reddit

I am sorry that happened.

Fiancé, huh? I would hope my girl appreciates my desire to take care of and protect her, and always keep her safe no matter what, even think it’s cute or adorable, and not mock you for trying, even if she thinks it is a bit over the top or silly to her.

Privacy and respect is import for couples. It doesn’t matter if you’re a prepper or not. I would find that hurtful and disappointing. She needs to understand that.

I am lucky. My wife doesn’t know what a prepper is and most of my coworkers who are not my friends do not know where I live. My wife doesn’t know that I am a prepper. And, I am not trying to keep it a secret. I have stuff labeled in boxes in the garage like “In case of nuclear disaster” or multiple “emergency [fill in the blank whatever]” She doesn’t seem to notice it and never complains because it looks necessary maybe.

I don’t know if this is only a guy thing, but prepper or not, and whether or not she makes fun of your prepping, when there is a disaster, she expects you to be prepared and God save you if you’re not.

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Far-Respond-9283@reddit

Is your wife aware or not? She don't know you are a prepper but she know there are boxes that said "in case of nuclear disaster", you are confusing!

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DisastrousHyena3534@reddit

OP is female. Their big mouth unprepared fiancé is male.

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endigochild@reddit

Remember how many people were made fun of for not taking the fake vaxxxx in 2020? Now some of those people who made fun of those who didn't take it are dead. If you allow words to push you as far as having to make a post about it. It means you're allowing others to control your emotions with words.

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Wavy_Gravy_55@reddit

I got made fun of for prepping ahead of a huge storm, was told I was being super dramatic. However during and after, I had plenty of water, food, light sources and warmth. Honestly didn’t really miss a beat. Can’t say that for most around me.

People are going to talk smack about things they don’t understand.

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buttlickerurmom@reddit

Before COVID, I wore a mask to the office because I had the flu (deadline had to meet) & didn't want to spread. Everyone made fun of me. Guess what got mandated during COVID, and we weren't even working in the same cubicles!!

I live in NOVA so am prepped for a nuke, I don't bring it up because people react like I'm unstable. What was the likelihood of COVID before it happened?

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RedJerzey@reddit

I had that happen before COVID. I kept trying to warn them about 2 weeks before the shtf. I was stocked up with tp, drinks and food. They laughed. I got a lot of apologies during week 1 of lockdown.

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Hothborn@reddit

Let them laugh. Every apocalypse movie starts with someone ignoring the “weirdo” who was right all along.

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Far-Respond-9283@reddit

Movies again...

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throwawayt44c@reddit

Every what?

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Unlikely-Ad3659@reddit

Movies, short for moving pictures, they show them in large buildings called "cinemas" you will have to borrow money from your mommy to pay for a ticket.

I have heard some technologically savvy people have worked out a way to see them at home on an electronic picture frame thing, but I have my doubts about the veracity of that.

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theDR1ve@reddit

Don't make comments to people, simple as that, "hey Steve's got tons of food, let's go there"

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pvtfall0ut@reddit

Yes. People are just dumb. They want to pretend everything will always be ok. However as we learned recently with covid shit can change quickly.

Ignore them. Tell your fiancé to learn what opsec is and not to open his mouth in regards to prepping outside of your home. Ever hear the saying loose lips sink ships? Not trying to be a jerk either when I say for him not to speak particularly on this matter outside of y’all’s home.

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Jguy2698@reddit

Because it makes people uncomfortable. They’re saying to themselves “surely they’re the crazy one. Something like that can’t actually happen right?… right?”

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Kind_Fox820@reddit

This! People don't like being confronted with the reality that sometimes bad things happen. They'd rather pretend they never do than do anything to prepare. You being prepared inevitably makes them uncomfortable, like it's more likely to happen than they want to believe.

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Jguy2698@reddit

Yes. The last 60 years in American history has been an unprecedented period of economic prosperity that is certainly not common. We are way too accustomed to convenience

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DoPewPew@reddit

First off who cares. Secondly just blame it on preparing for a natural disaster. I know in Florida you just say you’re getting ready for hurricane season and no one bats an eye.

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Undeaded1@reddit

Dealt with it exactly as you have. Brush it off and let it be a joke. Now if it was someone that I valued as a friend, then maybe I would try to explain the bare minimum facts. Point out that even the EU and the UK are guiding their populations toward a baseline preparedness level. Maybe point out that our own government has guidelines posted online for basic preparedness. Or joke about the fun hobby of it. The tacticool gear and camping skills

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Traditional-Oven4092@reddit

Next prep is to ditch your fiancé, she’s gonna be dead weight. Loose lips, sinks ships

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DisastrousHyena3534@reddit

*he

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MrblueGenX8675309@reddit

Firstly, emergencies happen every day. Emergencies come in a large variety, with some of them being caused by other people, via weather, via wars, via the government, and the list goes on. I think you would be hard pressed to convince anyone that emergencies don't happen. Preppers are now viewed as extremists, and yes, there are definitely some out there, but that is not the majority. Most people, out of concern for seeing all the chaos around them are trying to be proactive in being more prepared for events. Are you more likely to contend with a tornado vs a nuclear war if you live in the Midwest? Statistically yes! Are you or family members more likely to experience a cardiac emergency event vs Chinese or Russian soldiers invading the continental U.S.? Yes! When people think of Preppers they think of Mad Max extremism. They think of sci-fi movies, not reality. Real Prepping is about being more self sufficient. It's not about having pipe dreams of fighting off gangs of thugs that you think are headed directly to your house to get your extra canned food. It's about being realistic, seeing the events around you, and trying to channel that energy into giving yourself or family a better chance. I remember during Covid, being really thankful that we had an extra month or two of food in our cabinets. I was glad to have some basic medical supplies, so we did not have to run to the pharmacy where lots of people were sick. There is some real comfort that comes with knowing that you have done what you can to be more prepared. Just remember that often what you are being judged from are stereotypes and false information that they perceive about you. People may say "There's Bob, with his camo clothing hiding in his cabin again preparing for the end". That stuff receives ridicule at every turn. However, having some extra food, having extra water, having a bug out bag should you need to leave quickly, knowing where to go and what to do, knowing how to stay calm, those are things everyone, in my opinion, should be working on. Is extremist prepping a good idea? No. Is being prepared important so that you can safely help yourself and those around you? Absolutely! In fact, I can't think of anything more Patriotic than helping out those around you. Hang in there and a Happy soon to be 4th of July to you!

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MagicToolbox@reddit

These are the same asshats who make fun of people who carry a flashlight or a knife, but then when they NEED a knife or a flashlight, come asking to borrow it. "No MF, have fun using your phone flash, or opening that package with your teeth."

I help people who just haven't thought ahead, but I'm a petty bitch. Make fun of me and I will stand next to you playing with my knife while you struggle.

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apscep@reddit

Pro tip, don't tell anyone except your closest friends you are a prepper.

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TinyEmergencyCake@reddit

I wouldn't even tell friends

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Pbandsadness@reddit

Sounds like they didn't.

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TinyEmergencyCake@reddit

My fiancé made a comment to my coworker about how I’ve been buying stuff to prep

Wow this was a shitty thing to do on a number of levels. First rule of prepping is gray man, nobody should know about your preps, and you shouldn't discuss them with anyone beyond your household.

Clearly you shouldn't have discussed your preps with your fiancé, because they don't understand the concept of gray man, and for some weird reason they have a need to discuss your private home life with random people.

Honestly, nevermind the fact that they talked about your preps in particular, the fact that they were discussing anything at all related to your private home life, with people outside the home, is concerning to me.

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barascr@reddit

What people don't understand they make fun of, also the movie/tv industry has made sure to portray peppers as insane Cooks that things the world is gonna end. Also... what's the first rule of flight club. DO NOT TALK ABOUT FIGHT CLUB (hope you get the reference)

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HaloDeckJizzMopper@reddit

OP guess who isn't getting scraps when shtf?

I wouldn't let it bother you. You know prepping isn't just about doomsday. It's a way of financial management . We have enough soap and shampoo to wash for many many many years. This is none perishable. They were bought during rare sales like buy one get one that last only a few days. So say everything goes fine. No doomsday, no financial meltdown, no ww3. The price of things always goes up. Look at the cost of Shampoo and conditioner bought at half price from 2016-2018. How much will that cost in 2035? It's good economics in some cases. Same thing with rubbing alcohol, bar soap, dish soap, rags, sponges. We are never going to stop needing them.

I imagine your acquaintance that has judged you did so less over the prepping itself and more because the political profile he thinks that puts you in. It was asked of me once if I had been talking with neo Nazis . The individual thought that only neonazis did prepping.

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DocRichDaElder@reddit

I smile.. And say, "you're right."

Why did your fiancé do that?

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KingofAmarillo17@reddit

Loose lips sinks ships. Should’ve not said anything people remember

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Few-Cucumber-413@reddit

Handle it exactly like you did. Now go have a conversation with your wife about keeping private matters...well private.

There is example upon example, on why doing even the most basic of preps is beneficial.

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Kind_Fox820@reddit

This. The issue was your fiancé running their mouth. I'd suggest a serious conversation about why they did that, whether they are on board with the simple concept of being prepared, and whether they understand that blabbing about what you have prepped is a great way to put a target on your family's back should those preps become necessary.

I don't want to be dramatic, but this is a signal of some misaligned values that you probably want to sort through before marrying this person.

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momalisk@reddit

OP is female, with a male fiancé

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Few-Cucumber-413@reddit

The point still stands, even if I got the genders swapped.

But corrected the error, thank you.

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momalisk@reddit

I agree. The coworkers are idiots, and it's a good thing OP mentioned she already had a convo with her partner about it. Your point definitely still stands

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Hot_Annual6360@reddit

It makes sense for them to insult you, it's because they don't want to believe that a collapse could be possible and they look for excuses not to have to prepare anything, so with ridicule they cancel out the feeling of guilt for not doing anything, that being said, you shouldn't talk to them about anything in the preper world, another thing is to see how balanced or not your preparationism is (here you would see if it is preparation or anxiety) greetings, if you want to know more, contact me.

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Informal-Victory-164@reddit

Time to lose the fiance.

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monsterlynn@reddit

When people find out I just say "yeah, I'm a little bit of a pepper. Remember that time the power went out for X days?" That usually puts an end to it. I don't go into the extent of my prepping.

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Manyworldsivecome@reddit

I’ve always been told/ read an important part of true prepping is to not broadcast it to anyone and your wife should be in on that awareness. If things do fall apart, that coworker could become a threat since they are without resources you have stocked ahead of time.

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Dynamiclynk@reddit

From a Bible perspective, it states people will be mockers in the end of days.

2 Peter 3:3-8 CSB Above all, be aware of this: Scoffers will come in the last days scoffing and following their own evil desires, [4] saying, "Where is his 'coming' that he promised? Ever since our ancestors fell asleep, all things continue as they have been since the beginning of creation." [5] They deliberately overlook this: By the word of God the heavens came into being long ago and the earth was brought about from water and through water. [6] Through these the world of that time perished when it was flooded. [7] By the same word, the present heavens and earth are stored up for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. [8] Dear friends, don't overlook this one fact: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.

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Ryan_e3p@reddit

Yeah, hate to tell you this buddy, but your fiance did you dirty. Maliciously or not, they're telling people things they should not be telling anyone, and making you a target.

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Brilliant_Wealth_433@reddit

There just jealous because your the only one smart enough to actually prepare. They will be caught with there pants down and you won't.

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mediocre_remnants@reddit

how do you handle the situation?

Why do you think it needs to be handled? Who cares? Let people make fun of you.

Not every situation in life needs to be handled. It's okay to just ignore shit and let it go.

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gustavotherecliner@reddit

Deny or joke about it. Brush it off and make no big deal out of it. The sooner they forget the incident, the better for you.

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LuckyMinusDevil@reddit

Stay strong, fellow prepper! People laugh until they need help. Keep building your skills and supplies. One day, they might be asking YOU for advice during an emergency!

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PurplePassport_0_0@reddit

People always make fun of it until something happens and you need it. Just let it roll off your shoulders and keep up what you're doing, they'll cone to understand eventually

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girlwholovespurple@reddit

Great username. 😋

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mh327@reddit

Keep on keeping on. They will be the ones asking for advice or help! We prep for everyday scenarios. Keep up the good work!’n

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Daiquiri-Factory@reddit

You probably shouldn’t let anyone know, if you’re serious about it. It’s your stash, fuck em’ you can do whatever you please with your time and money.

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nighshad3@reddit

The first rule in the prepper club is….?

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Narrow-Elk-5156@reddit

Batter to have it and not need it than to need it snd not have it.

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anonymous356782@reddit

Dude, my best friend thought I was crazy for prepping. Then we hit iran, and he has changed his tune. Now I sing it's the end of the world and send him links to shit.

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bdouble76@reddit

I also came from a hurricane prone area. Your coworker is the person who waits until it is going to hit, then goes to walmart for water, milk, and bread only to find the rest of the town had the same idea. Then complains. Let them laugh, and tell your wife to keep this between the 2 of you.

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Urban_ninja75@reddit

Watch them all come running to you when the shit hits the fan. But you won’t be there you will have already disappeared

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unsoundmime@reddit

My wife would give me crap for having a years supply of my meds. Well, until COVID and she couldn't get her meds and was in a panic. All it takes is one little crisis to make people aware of how fragile our supply chain is. Another example. Remember that milk was also in short supply during COVID? One of our kids said that they hadn't been able to find milk for 2 weeks and asked if anyone in the family had any dry milk. My wife didn't know that I had purchased a case. She told them no, and I asked how much did they need? She was surprised that I had put some in our stores. Your coworkers can laugh all they want, but if things go bad, they will be at your door asking to have what you stored.

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ye3tr@reddit

When SHTF make fun of them

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noah7233@reddit

These people are the same people you'll have to fight because they show up trying to loot you. Or they'll end up in a fema camp, or possibly just dead. And you should tell your fiancé to stop telling people. They're painting a target on your back.

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Chicken_shish@reddit

Depends what you are buying and for what reason.

If you live in a place where there are regular hurricanes, then preparing for that is sensible.

If you're hoarding beans and ammo because you are worried about the zombie apocalypse, then you need to be laughed at.

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Skalgrin@reddit

I bring tools in my edc bag I daily bring into office. Because we have security which randomly checks us for metal objects and has to clarify metal items (no issue with tools ever) - it's known of me. And therefore nearly daily subject of jokes and teases.

Same with my expanded first aid kit.

But the moment they need something fixed they sweat honey and speak rainbows and perfectly know to whom they shall run for help.

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MrsEDT@reddit

Wave it away. Do not go in discussion if need be tell your coworker he is right and you got a bit scared because of war, climate change.. etc.

Let your fiancé know you do not want people to know about it and do not talk about it.

I had a similair thing happening to me. i do not talk about it unless the other person is doing the same thing.

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survivedev@reddit

On the positive side now you know who the idiot(s) are.

Im sure they have more ”important” matters occupying them. Imho, just give it some time and ignore them. Keep on prepping.

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klatula2@reddit

second rule after actually doing the prepper research and work is DON'T TELL PEOPLE. I know you're proud of your foresight.

When the S hits the fan, it's good to have trading supplies for close friends and neighbors. But broadcasting you have 'goods' can get you robbed or even shot in desperate times.

Play it close to your chest and if absolutely necessary, you might join online for a prepper club. These sites are full of information and tips for almost all solutions. Good Luck!

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GroundbreakingYam633@reddit

I openly talk about prepping to others on the note, that I’m stocking the minimum that my Government wants people to stock up on. I then proceed talking about with minor every-day mishaps like power outtakes, where camping gear comes in handy.

This puts the discussion in relations and avoids being framed as doomsday prepper with a uparmored cold war bunker 😬

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Amos44_4@reddit

I probably could have written the book “the Subtle art of not giving a F”.

Don’t base your worth on other people’s opinion.

Nobody has time for that

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No-Ad-4142@reddit

My mom completely judged me for being a prepper and it kind of broke my spirits but I am slowly working my way back to old prepper methods.

It hurts, it sucks, and then at some point you realize, people will judge you either way, but I’d much rather be judged and prepared.

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Harvard_Diplomat@reddit

Just laugh and say "Remember that time where you were begging for Toilet Paper?" (2020 LockDowns)

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Specialist_Good_3146@reddit

They won’t be laughing when shit hits the fan. We had a storm hit this year. There was no hot water or power for a whole week. Thank god I was prepared with power station, candles, flashlights, food, and water. Those clowns are always going to laugh until the unexpected happens

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Prepsov@reddit

Yea don't pay attention, they just comment on how misinformed they themselves are.

I remember s

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atropear@reddit

"For camping."

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Anonymous_Lurker_1@reddit

"When covid hit and people were losing their minds in the supermarkets fighting over toilet roll and tins of beans, I didn't have to go shopping for three months.

...But yeah, I'm the stupid one"

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brainbyteRO@reddit

Let them laugh and joke all they want ... when the time comes, or the situation arises, you will have everything you need, and they ... well, that will be a different story for them, to put it lightly :) .

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Able_Elk802@reddit

Deflate one of their tires.

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4r4nd0mninj4@reddit

Every year, we have an earthquake drill at work. As far as anyone is concerned, I just have a very "well stocked" earthquake preparedness kid. 🤷‍♂️

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Fun_Worker_6883@reddit

Lmao I get made fun of a lot. "He brings everything and the kitchen sink everywhere" but it's just an organized edc. Or I have all my equipment for camping. And people always change thier mind when they realize you are saving their butt's.

Example: went camping. Brought 2 sleeping bags and a blanket. Plus another hammock in case my friend forgot his. Well another friend joined us last minute, had no sleeping bag, no pillow, no tent, no flashlight no anything. Guess who was super happy I had extra to save his butt

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Responsible-Green120@reddit

Dumb till something happens and you have something they need or want because they where to stupid to think ahead. Good luck to the dummies at that point.

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ChilupaBam@reddit

My closed friend mentioned that I am not the only prepper head he know of

And to me, I take it as a compliment

Cause preppers are those who can think ahead of the curve 🙂