Mocked roller-coaster enthusiast is less than thrilled at being ridiculed
01/08/08
By Harlan Cohen
Dear Harlan: I work in an office environment and get along well with my co-workers. However, I have had one recurring problem with one of them. She is nice enough, but she incessantly makes me the butt of her jokes. I am an avid amusement-park and roller-coaster fan. I make no secret of that. I have season passes to several of the parks in the area. My office is decorated in a way that would tip my hand that I love the thrill rides. But she begins and ends any meeting or discussion with some derogatory comment about me putting my arms up on roller coasters, getting a picture with Mickey Mouse, or getting my hands sticky from cotton candy, etc. Her timely quips usually get a cheap chuckle out of my co-workers, which is what she is looking for in the first place. I grant you that maybe it is a little funny that I enjoy going to the parks. However, we all have something that we have a passion for. How can I politely tell her that jokes are fine, but enough is enough? -- Stuck in Line
Dear Stuck in Line: If you've customized your office chair with a safety harness and make people wait 90 minutes to talk to you for 90 seconds, you're asking for trouble. Given that you're so open about this and see the humor in it, someone might think you're open to innocent joking. I don't think she has ANY idea that you have a problem. There's nothing wrong with talking to her privately and letting her know that you like her and respect her and that's why you want to be honest with her. Let her know the thrill jokes come off as mocking you, and it's uncomfortable. Give her a chance to right her wrong. If she responds, invite her to share your favorite ride. Who knows? Maybe she likes you.
Yep, all the time. I have even seen people make fun of other member on this site for being ACErs.
But me personally, my friends always get pissed when I come over/or they come over and I have to check On-Line coaster forums and news and such. My co-workers get mad when I take off for themepark trips and events. Like my boss was joking around with me when I told him I had to take off for a Coaster Convention.
But I can see why people would feel this way about us. I know I feel the same way about other peoples interests. Like sports, some music, ect.....
We should feel good about ourselves for having a passion for something that not many people have a interest it.
Not really, people here see it as a cool hobby and they are actually kind of jealous that I am able to go to all these parks and been to those places many times. They are mostly intrigued, and even some people here are into it as well, but not as much; but they enjoy learning more about the subject. I guess that is what happens when you go to a place like this, people always want to learn.
Universal Orlando Mechanical Engineer Marathon down, Goofy to go.
Everyone knows I'm a dork, and I figure everyone has something really different in their lives that I could make fun of if I wanted too. There are honestly far worse hobbies to have out there. Like pedophilia.
Basically that guy in the article needs to grow up and stop acting like he's getting picked on in 5th grade.
Top 5 wood-5-Goliath 4-Ravine Flyer II 3-Phoenix 2-Voyage 1-El Toro Top 5 Steel- 5-Velocicoaster 4- Maverick 3- Fury 325 2-Steel Vengeance 1-X2 Coaster Count: 444
I really don't say much about me being a coaster fan, but once in a while when I'm at a park, I'll throw out some fact or stat about a ride and I'll get a weird look from people that are with me.