I have been looking for a life partner. It seems when I meet someone they act like I am from another planet because I like vintage washers/dryers,etc. I am a very down to earth guy. I enjoy collecting vintage machines! My mother and sister are very supportive and think it is cool. I consider myself relationship material. I guess I will stay single because I am not giving up this hobby for anyone! I have made some really good friends from this organization! My friendships mean alot to me. Has anyone had this same experience? I would appreciate any comments or suggestions!
Has this happened to you?
- Thread starter Derrek17
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Derrek, as you well know, I've not even been able to get as far as you in dealing with guys. One I finally opened up to and told him about my fascination and that I had no mechanical ability. He could relate though because he enjoyed restoring vintage cars. One way you can have them look at it, you'll end up doing the laundry & dishes and I doubt there are many guys who would complain about it. I know several who hate diong laundry. A lottta guys who do have partners here, they've had to deal with the same issue. I am sure they will post their experiences of how they got their mate to accept it. Many washin-ins and conventions I've been to, the hubby is usually there with them. Bob
toploader55
Well-known member
That's why...
We're all here.
When I tell some people that I have 6 Dishwashers and 3 Washers some of them say "Huh?" But on the other hand, my landlords think they're great. It's almost like coming out all over again. You are either accepted or not. True friends will understand it's a hobby. Most of the time I'd rather be washing than go out on a date !!! (LOL). When I go out for a couple drinks at the local bar here in Barnstable, I actually have alot of my friends (straight) asking me..."Did you find anything new this week ?" Some have actually insisted on seeing the small collection I have and they are amazed at the age, condition and that they still work.
Not to worry Derreck. Someday the man of your dreams will accept your drain pumps, fill lines, spray arms , pulsators and agitators. And the Solid Tubs too. Eddie
PS...This great old woman once told me after I broke up with a guy that was a 2 month fling said "Sometimes it's better to be alone than wish you were alone.
We're all here.
When I tell some people that I have 6 Dishwashers and 3 Washers some of them say "Huh?" But on the other hand, my landlords think they're great. It's almost like coming out all over again. You are either accepted or not. True friends will understand it's a hobby. Most of the time I'd rather be washing than go out on a date !!! (LOL). When I go out for a couple drinks at the local bar here in Barnstable, I actually have alot of my friends (straight) asking me..."Did you find anything new this week ?" Some have actually insisted on seeing the small collection I have and they are amazed at the age, condition and that they still work.
Not to worry Derreck. Someday the man of your dreams will accept your drain pumps, fill lines, spray arms , pulsators and agitators. And the Solid Tubs too. Eddie
PS...This great old woman once told me after I broke up with a guy that was a 2 month fling said "Sometimes it's better to be alone than wish you were alone.
Daily...
vacuumfreeeke
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Not with washers... can I still respond? People freak out when I tell them I LOVE vacuums and have 25 of them! The gay ones say, "I wonder what you do with the hoses", or "I bet you do.", or "Are you as good as a Hoover?"..... I get sooooo sick of it! But I tell them right off the bat. If they are going to get to know me, they will have to love me for every part of who I am. If not, thats OK too... My vacuums never judge me. They just make me happy. It can get a little frustrating and redundant telling the "story" to everyone I get to know, but I certainly wouldn't hide it!
Hope things get better for you and that people in general become more understanding.
Hope things get better for you and that people in general become more understanding.
laundromat
Well-known member
That's exactly why I am still single.Everybody I dated and/or had years with decided there were too many washers in my apartment.One of them,Joey tried to change my entire personality.He was a chemist for a phamacutical company and tried to minipulate me by buying a house for us to share.Once the deal went through,my name was nowhere to be found on the mortgage and after 1 year,he decided to throw me out.I had put thosands of dollars into that house as well as personaly sanding and refinishing the hardwood floors.After I spent over $4,000 on wall to wall carpeting in the basement and replaced the washer/dryer/dishwasher/range and refrigerator,he told me to ge out.I had no leg to stand on.No re embersement for my appliances,carpeting or mortgage payments I made.So believe me,I can relate.He actualy found somebody else whom he took advantage of too.Let's hope his "carma" catches up with him soon!
bigbubbacain
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Yes, Laundromat. His karma will catch up. I'm a vacuum person myself, and I've been in 3 LTRs. The first one died, the 2nd got "mid life crazy" and became a "massage therapist". (yes, there's a subtext here and we ALL know what it means) The 3rd I'm still with after 4.5 years. I'd have to say when you're single and date someone who doesn't care to understand what you collect or why, that in itself should be the first warning sign. Everyone knows about me & vacuums. The first thing people always wanted to know was "why"? Makes a helluva ice breaker for that first date. In that respect, collecting vacuums is really no different than collecting antique cars or table radios or Faberge eggs. Each collector brings a different perspective and is rarely ever understood except by the company of his peers. In my single days, the ones who were quick to dismiss my collection always ended up not being worth my while anyway. Food for thought......
There are collectors, and there are non-collectors
I used to actively collect salt cellars and telephone pole insulators. Some people were mildly-to-moderately interested (they usually collected something themselves,) and some people were not.
If a person can't accept most of me, it probably isn't meant to be.
I've been known to refer to this as "antique technology," or "antique consumer technology, or "domestic technology", and sometimes that works.
Right now, I'm not sure about a partner, but I would like a "boy"friend, a guy with whom I could hang out with, instead of my "buddy" who comes over whenever he has the time and the urge.
Lawrence/Maytagbear
I used to actively collect salt cellars and telephone pole insulators. Some people were mildly-to-moderately interested (they usually collected something themselves,) and some people were not.
If a person can't accept most of me, it probably isn't meant to be.
I've been known to refer to this as "antique technology," or "antique consumer technology, or "domestic technology", and sometimes that works.
Right now, I'm not sure about a partner, but I would like a "boy"friend, a guy with whom I could hang out with, instead of my "buddy" who comes over whenever he has the time and the urge.
Lawrence/Maytagbear
toggleswitch2
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~Many wash-ins and conventions I've been to, the hubby is usually there with them.
Funny how two people go to the same event and see things totally differrently.
I was under the impression that most partners did not and would not attend such a thing.
For those of you who keep romaticizing the idea that a partnership is a panacea. TE HE HE HE,just wait till the reality hits you.
Funny how two people go to the same event and see things totally differrently.
I was under the impression that most partners did not and would not attend such a thing.
For those of you who keep romaticizing the idea that a partnership is a panacea. TE HE HE HE,just wait till the reality hits you.
Derek
There´s absolutelly nothing wrong about being a collector.
But of course, all collectors (including me, you and many other members) must be careful about the limits.
Everything in excess is dangerous. You must find a balance point between your collection and your social life.
Some collectors (not only washers, but other things too) can be so compulsive about the colection that they forget they have a life, they need to work, they need to interact with other people, like every human. There is a whole world outside the basements, but they forget it and they can´t realize what´s wrong.
If your ex partners complained about your collection. I think it´s time for you to stop for a minute and think if you didn´t ingore them to be with your colection. The same is valid for friends and family.
At same time, you MUST set other limits too. You have a PARTNER, not an OWNER.
Your partner must understand you like your collection and respect your space, the same way you´re respecting his space.
By the way... Washers are so fascinating that is impossible not to like them.
My boss started to look at his laundry room with "other eyes".
First the changed his top loader for a front loader.
A few months ago I did a small comment about Affinity (Ecoturbo) and he bought one. (but kept the other)
A few weeks ago he told he bought an old Brastemp (same as Lady kenmore) to restore.
I think my "light" comments (really light, almost diet LOL) about my collection made him discover he likes it too.
There´s absolutelly nothing wrong about being a collector.
But of course, all collectors (including me, you and many other members) must be careful about the limits.
Everything in excess is dangerous. You must find a balance point between your collection and your social life.
Some collectors (not only washers, but other things too) can be so compulsive about the colection that they forget they have a life, they need to work, they need to interact with other people, like every human. There is a whole world outside the basements, but they forget it and they can´t realize what´s wrong.
If your ex partners complained about your collection. I think it´s time for you to stop for a minute and think if you didn´t ingore them to be with your colection. The same is valid for friends and family.
At same time, you MUST set other limits too. You have a PARTNER, not an OWNER.
Your partner must understand you like your collection and respect your space, the same way you´re respecting his space.
By the way... Washers are so fascinating that is impossible not to like them.
My boss started to look at his laundry room with "other eyes".
First the changed his top loader for a front loader.
A few months ago I did a small comment about Affinity (Ecoturbo) and he bought one. (but kept the other)
A few weeks ago he told he bought an old Brastemp (same as Lady kenmore) to restore.
I think my "light" comments (really light, almost diet LOL) about my collection made him discover he likes it too.
Thomas, when you meet a new guy...
...why don't you tell him, your car gets a good polish & buff up less often than your washers do, but HE would be the only one eligible to get it daily *wink*
Serious, I have never heard of somebody getting nasty remarks about a collector's hobby. Funny what some people think they are entitled to judge about... tsk tsk...
Crossing my fingers that you get a nice co-collector or at least a decent car mechanic!
madeinbrazilmag.com
...why don't you tell him, your car gets a good polish & buff up less often than your washers do, but HE would be the only one eligible to get it daily
*wink*Serious, I have never heard of somebody getting nasty remarks about a collector's hobby. Funny what some people think they are entitled to judge about... tsk tsk...
Crossing my fingers that you get a nice co-collector or at least a decent car mechanic!
MADE IN BRAZIL
madeinbrazilmag.com
Joe
As I told previously,
"There´s absolutely nothing wrong about being a colector!"
I just made a comment about the "UNHEALTHY EXCESS".
I´m not judging, but I am entitled to COMMENT about it because I had huge problems with my addiction and I learned how to deal with it.
I am a workaholic! (instead of a drug or alcohol addicted, I´m a work addicted)
I lost my 2 last boyfriends because of working a lot.
It's something like: "Honney, let´s spend the weekend in our ranch to relax?" NO, I "MUST" work!
Wonderful and perfect, until I realize I worked more than 5 years without a day off, without vacations, without spending a sunday afternoon with my family, friends and partner. My boss started to complain because I was doing my job and also my colleagues job (considering I worked up to 19 hours/day)
Today I'm very glad to say I'm cured (controlled).
It doesn´t mean it´s his case. It was only my point of view.
By the way... nice picture, but I think AW.org is not the place for that kind of material.
As I told previously,
"There´s absolutely nothing wrong about being a colector!"
I just made a comment about the "UNHEALTHY EXCESS".
I´m not judging, but I am entitled to COMMENT about it because I had huge problems with my addiction and I learned how to deal with it.
I am a workaholic! (instead of a drug or alcohol addicted, I´m a work addicted)
I lost my 2 last boyfriends because of working a lot.
It's something like: "Honney, let´s spend the weekend in our ranch to relax?" NO, I "MUST" work!
Wonderful and perfect, until I realize I worked more than 5 years without a day off, without vacations, without spending a sunday afternoon with my family, friends and partner. My boss started to complain because I was doing my job and also my colleagues job (considering I worked up to 19 hours/day)
Today I'm very glad to say I'm cured (controlled).
It doesn´t mean it´s his case. It was only my point of view.
By the way... nice picture, but I think AW.org is not the place for that kind of material.
spiceman1957
Well-known member
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- Nov 9, 2006
- Messages
- 724
Collections
I think all people, not only gay men collect cars, lighthouse items, etc. I even dated a guy for a while way back that collect dolls. You would not have quessed that if you had seen him in person. He was kinda like the guy on the Brawny Paper Towels. Any way, would'd you rather have a guy who spends a lots of time collecting and restoring washing machines instead of doing drugs or collecting men on the side? Just a thought....
I think all people, not only gay men collect cars, lighthouse items, etc. I even dated a guy for a while way back that collect dolls. You would not have quessed that if you had seen him in person. He was kinda like the guy on the Brawny Paper Towels. Any way, would'd you rather have a guy who spends a lots of time collecting and restoring washing machines instead of doing drugs or collecting men on the side? Just a thought....
Thomas, sorry that you mistook me: I was not referring to you, but to any other folks that comment or judge on collectors. (so: just the other way round)
Good that you have come to terms with being a workaholic, congrats!
Any excessive behavior (or addiction) can be dangerous to a relationship, no matter whether work, substances, gambling...
Fine that you are off of it.
Good that you have come to terms with being a workaholic, congrats!
Any excessive behavior (or addiction) can be dangerous to a relationship, no matter whether work, substances, gambling...
Fine that you are off of it.
Sorry Joe..
I thought it was about me... Now I read again and understood your point.
-----------
Now it´s funny when sometimes I get my old schedule sheets, with lots of notes written in yellow highlight pen "Find time for this meeting" or "Ask this client or supplier if he can accept a meeting at 11pm" or "do laundry at 3am or tomorrow morning you´ll be out of clean shirts" or "don´t schedule anything here or you won't have time to take a shower"
During these years (aprox. 5 years) I fired more than 30 secretaries because they couldn´t follow my rythim.
I thought it was about me... Now I read again and understood your point.
-----------
Now it´s funny when sometimes I get my old schedule sheets, with lots of notes written in yellow highlight pen "Find time for this meeting" or "Ask this client or supplier if he can accept a meeting at 11pm" or "do laundry at 3am or tomorrow morning you´ll be out of clean shirts" or "don´t schedule anything here or you won't have time to take a shower"
During these years (aprox. 5 years) I fired more than 30 secretaries because they couldn´t follow my rythim.
autowasherfreak
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I not a collector of vintage washers/dryers yet. But I do collect IBM typewriters, and vintage computers, and when ever I'm talking to a guy online and get asked about hobbies, I tell and they quit chatting. I have different tastes in music than most, I don't care much for any of the pop stuff that's out now. I like classic country, but I also like ABBA, Peggy Lee, Connie Francis, Judy Garland. I guess if we all like the same thing, the world would be a boring place. I hope someday to find a guy that like vintage appliances, and Patsy Cline music. But it better happen soon, I'm not getting any younger, LOL.
Jim!
Nice to know that!
I love ABBA too!
Nice to know that!
I love ABBA too!
autowasherfreak
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I guess I'm not so strange after all, LOL. When in a deep cleaning mode, I will listen to ABBA, Donna Summer, Aretha Franklin, anything thas has a really good beat to it to keep me moving.
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