Freaking Out the Checkout Girl at Wal-Mart (on accident)

[DeathsMistress]

So, it's four in the morning and I need some tortillas and hair-dye (don't judge, I work strange hours) and I decide to go to the only open store (Wal-blah). While waiting in line I'm vaping per-the-norm when the girl behind me starts spouting off stuff about smoking an illicit substance. I don't even realize what she's saying until the cashier literally jumps away from her post and starts waving her arms like she's being swarmed by bees (with knives). So I'm like "no no, it's just vapor and it can't hurt you." And cashier's like, "I've never smoked anything in my whole life and it's bad enough when people come through my line smelling like *illicit substance* but, what if I breathed some of that in!" So, I'm calming her down explaining it's the same stuff in asthma inhalers or the poof at rock concerts and skating rinks and it's not a drug. The other girl went off again about how she'd be sure to use it for smoking *illicit substance*.

I wanted to konk her out with my Vamo but, instead I exited politely after explaining again that I don't do any of those things because they are illegal and it's just water vapor and there is no risk associated with second-hand vape.

 

[Blurgas]

That's why I choose to not vape in places where smoking isn't allowed, even if vaping is
I find it less aggravating to just not vape instead of trying to explain it to someone

 

[DeathsMistress]

The next day another employee came up to us to tell us he'd just ordered his first kit. He was so excited. He said he'd read my blog after talking with us because he'd seen us vaping. I think it's worth it to deal with the few idiots here and there if I can possibly save/alter someone's life for the better. I'm not hiding in the shadows anymore. I vape and I'm proud. I will always try and be respectful and appropriate but I refuse to let the screaming idiots snuff out this amazing discovery. Everyone needs to know and the more of us there are, the less chance the FDA can just take them away from us on a whim.

 

[Atlexus]

The next day another employee came up to us to tell us he'd just ordered his first kit. He was so excited. He said he'd read my blog after talking with us because he'd seen us vaping. I think it's worth it to deal with the few idiots here and there if I can possibly save/alter someone's life for the better. I'm not hiding in the shadows anymore. I vape and I'm proud. I will always try and be respectful and appropriate but I refuse to let the screaming idiots snuff out this amazing discovery. Everyone needs to know and the more of us there are, the less chance the FDA can just take them away from us on a whim.

good job!

-Atlexus

 

[Thepinfamily]

I vape in public also. I get strange looks all the time but no one has said anything to me. I vape in the grocery store, department stores, drug stores, any where I'm happen to be. I've never had anyone ask what it is but I'd be happy to explain if someone did. Educate the masses, they need it. Most smokers are always looking for a way to quit and a shocking amount of people know nothing about e-cigs. My wife says no one ask or says anything because I'm scary (6'3",220lbs, covered in tattoos) but I think it's because they are scared of looking ignorant. The only time I draw the line is if kids are in close proximity and that's just out of respect for the children.

 

[neonballoon]

I don't usually vape in public spaces like in line at a retail store, it would draw way too much attention in a line. I can wait until I'm outside. However I do stealth vape when no one is around and I feel like getting some nic

 

[Dana A]

I stealth all over the place and sometimes I am not so stealthy. So far I have never had a problem.

 

[DeathsMistress]

People always approach me but I'm not very imposing. Funny hair, tattoos and I dress weird. Maybe I just look like I'm asking for friends or something. Haha.

 

[OttoBahn]

I don't have any aversions to vaping in public places (I do it fairly often), but I can't imagine feeling the need to in a checkout line (at Wal-Mart, or anywhere else.) If I did though, I would likely prepare myself for the high potential for comments (such as the OP experienced.)

Typically - I chose to leave my PV in the car for quick run-in/outs (not always, of course - but I do tend to pick my vaping spots with the above in mind.)

 

[DeathsMistress]

One stupid situation diffused and one new vaper (and possibly his girl friend). The idea is to familiarise people with it, be respectful and informative. When I first tried vaping (and failed) I didn't know anybody else it had worked for or even tried it. My goal is to share this wonderful invention not to hide. Ten of my friends have started vaping locally and two from other states. Most of this stared with a simple "what's that?" I feel that vaping could potentially change the testy of my life and every one's life who ever tries it. A little ignorance is to be expected the moment we step out of our doors. I'm not in people's faces about it but, after hiding my horrible addiction for so long it's really nice to step in out of the cold.

 

[Tober138]

I don't usually vape in public spaces like in line at a retail store, it would draw way too much attention in a line.

I don't either. I have never even considered vaping while in a store or standing in a check-out line. Its not like I can't wait until I'm outside.

In fact, it seems about as common and tacky as people who feel the need to yap away on their cel phones while strolling down the aisles.

 

[paleocon12111971]

I don't either. I have never even considered vaping while in a store or standing in a check-out line. Its not like I can't wait until I'm outside.

In fact, it seems about as common and tacky as people who feel the need to yap away on their cel phones while strolling down the aisles.

I've vaped in line at coffee shops and fast-food restaurants, but I haven't vaped in line at grocery stores (mainly because I'm too busy either fiddling with my wallet or the food that I wanted to purchase). I have vaped in many stores, but whenever I'm at the grocery store I always tend to forget my PV at home, so I can never use it.

 

[floydfanx6]

i work in Manhattan in a very heavy tourist area. I get at least 15 looks,and at least 2-3 people come up to me a day with different reactions,when I walk around with my vamo. I already know what there thinking before they say it!

 

[floydfanx6]

some people are disgusted but most want to find out more info about it because someone they know smokes,so i dont mind it anymore

 

[patkin]

There's a huge difference between not hiding or educating and being "in your face" with other people whether you think what you're doing is harmless or not. No one, but no one, appreciates others shoving their personal likes/habits/behaviors down their throat. Education is fine but discretion is called for otherwise we'll all face more and more bans. When people feel helpless appealing to you when their personal boundaries are violated, you've created yet another person getting behind laws to control you.... march on to a bigger nanny-state.

 

[2nd chance]

I don't usually vape in public spaces like in line at a retail store, it would draw way too much attention in a line. I can wait until I'm outside. However I do stealth vape when no one is around and I feel like getting some nic

Same here
And great post (above) Patkin!!!Clap Clap

 

[floydfanx6]

i have vaped on an airplane and in an airport,I vape everywhere I just don't blow vapor in peoples face

 

[DJ Big D]

i have vaped on an airplane and in an airport,I vape everywhere I just don't blow vapor in peoples face

I had airport security follow me around the terminal at DFW Airport for almost an hour while I was waiting for my roommate to land, about a month ago. They finally cornered me by one of the snack bars and confronted me about my e-cig. When I showed them (and explained to them how it works) they backed off and left me alone.

I would honestly be a little nervous about vaping while on a flight though....

 

[jeffd]

we recently came back from a trip to Dominican Republic and had already decided that I would not vape on the plane. I did stealth vape while waiting for my flights but my thoughts are why create a situation when not needed. I chomped on some Nic gum for the flights and dug into my carry on bag for my pv as soon as I was off the aircraft. I'm not out to prove anything or to educate anyone. Common sense and respect for others goes a long way. For everything, there's a time and a place.
kcvo

 

[Dave]

Same here
And great post (above) Patkin!!!Clap Clap

yup yup me too