Thoughts Regarding the Social Nature of Stamp Collecting

I have to agree, the only time that I can share or talk about stamp collecting is when I go to our monthly club meeting. Most of my friends dont have a clue and if I do mention it to anyone, they seem to be shocked...

Personally, I am the only stamp collector I know (outside of outline acquaintances). At stamp shows I usually feel like I'm the youngest person there - and I'm 51! Only my closest friends and immediate family even know I collect stamps. By trade I'm a helicopter mechanic and decided some time ago it was pointless to even bring it up at work. The few times I have mentioned my hobby I noticed people are a little doubtful, like I'm pulling their leg. I remember one time telling one of my co-workers that I was sorting some stamps the night before. I referred to it as "playing" with my stamps. He just looked at me like I had a horn growing from my head.
I've shared before how I got back into collecting after being out for about 25 years. I still had my collection and was going to sell it. But I realized it was worth more to me to keep rather than to sell, mainly because it wasn't worth anything!
Now I just get so much satisfaction from collecting. Completing sets, finding some old unusual stamp. I honestly just love to get a box or bag -the bigger the better - of stamps and just rummage and sort and organize it. With all the stress and hustle & bustle the relaxation I feel is absolutely priceless!

Stamp club is where I get social interaction and Stamp Bears has been great for questions. I love reading the different threads and posts.