I know it's hard to step out of our comfort zone, but don't give up. I watched my own father (a career military man) try to deal with the very things you mentioned. He got to the point where he didn't even go to our graduations, weddings, or birthday parties. I know he often regretted those things until the day he died. Don't sell yourself short; there are others waiting to make a new friend and meet you.

I agree with you, Sarge. I would just say it sounds kind of crowded for a fishing trip. Maybe another time, but thanks for the invite.

My DD214 says I was Active Duty over 20 years , so there is that. You are a just a drama queen trying to show everyone what a victim you are. It was the same when you played LEO. Always drama.

I totally get the not being trapped feeing

I no longer have the reasons to need to return home I once did

Yes I have felt a bit of question and uncomfortably going into new situations like this.

so far they have all gone well , learned things met people had great experiences.

maybe a compromise and a good way to sell it , take 2 trucks that way should you have to leave you can , and you have your gear with in your truck. you can ride 2 and 2 so that everyone has time to talk one on one and get to know each other.
then if one truck has an issue you have backup or if you need to go the 3 of them can ride home in the other truck.

now from the Christian angle ,as men we want to control , we want to defend , we want to secure. but we don't always learn or serve the best that way. there are no shortage of uncomfortable movements and situations in the bible. so a simple prayer , His will , not our will , amen

think about how , you might answer the calling without the man's desire to secure getting in the way at least not too much.

Not to derail this thread, but years ago my brother had a few guy friends who went on what was supposed to be a guys trip to one of the guys cabin. One guy shows up with his girl friend, he says to the others, "I didn't think you would mind if I brought her"; of course they minded.

The other guys came up with a plan. After dinner, one of the guys quickly gathered the dirty plates off the table, placed them on the floor and called in the dogs to lick them clean, the guys (except for one) all played along, the girlfriend expressed her disgust, but the plan really had it's desired effect when the "clean" plates were gathered up and neatly stacked back in the cupboard.

Reasonable to ask if he vetted them. Did he say they are good?


I’ve hunted and fished with folks I don’t know. They were all vetted by the person who invited them. When hunting I always ask about safety and ask a few questions. If in a blind we go over firearm safety rules.

Other than that, it’s always nice to meet new people and possibly get a new person to hunting and fishing with and share hunting and fishing stories. I’m a little more on the extrovert side and I am also around new people with firearms quite often, so there is that. I tend to get a good read on people.


Always good to be cautious if sharing a place with someone, but sometimes it’s ok to experience new things.

Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you.

Don't let the voices win.

Have a one day trial run with them somewhere? even just for lunch maybe first.....jk

Did he go or didn't he go?