Well, my close friends where a bit lacking in the "infinite diversity in infinite combinations" department, until I did two things:

1. 
   Showed them my Indiana Jones and Marvel/DC sets. Their massive fans of comics, plus Indy and most Sci-fi, my certain other got hooked on Lego via me showing her stuff made out of Lego she likes, and I had a guess it would work on them. A few weeks later and all but one of them had a Quinjet and at least one Batman set.
   
2. 
   The last one, who was quite adamant I was a idiot, I told an (edited) quote of one of my favourite singers, originally on Alcohol, but with a few words edited:
   "I feel sorry for the people who aren’t Lego fans. When you wake up in the morning, that’s as good as your going to feel all day".
   

I would like to thank all my fellow AFOLs in this thread who have shared their thoughts or stories. It is quite refreshing to hear and made me chuckle. If it weren't for the on-line community I would be alone in my hobby. I have always loved Lego toys and to me they are practically sacred (I'm a purist ). My parents bought them for me as kid (like most of us) but as an adult my family and friends don't seem to understand the attraction. I don't bother trying to explain to them why. It's something I love and gives me happiness. After reading your comments I feel much more freedom with my choice for remaining out of my dark age.

I have found many people embrace it when I mention it. I think the fact that I have visited other countries and made friends all over the world helps them get over the "basement dweller" stereotype. I have never had people make it a problem.

Way back in school I was watching the Revenge of the Brick video, I was 18 and in my last year of 6th form and someone from my Geology class noticed. When they were somewhat nonplussed I simply said "LEGO is cool." and all they could do was agree!

Nowadays, when it comes up for whatever reason, I am suddenly adopted as the expert for opinions on the best set to get for someone or pressed on what I think about something. This from anyone, including complete strangers. My fingertip search for CMFs helps I think!

Though "Have you heard about the LEGO Movie?" has got a little tiring!

The most vexing experience I had was a family friend acting a little strange about me buying LEGO. She was on the desk at the shop I was buying in at the time and she is a rather odd lady to be fair, she seemed to think I shouldn't be using my money to buy myself LEGO. I just smiled and carried on. Her husband wants to build a repilca TARDIS after all. (I look at them sometimes and wonder...)

First off, woah. I honestly did not expect such a large number of replies. Thank you all for sharing; your thoughts, advice and especially personal stories. I just spent the last hour and a half carefully reading over this thread and you all have such interesting, insightful things to say. This thread is the most wonderful read. I was collecting posts to reply to and hit about twenty when I realised all I really wanted to say was thank you. Thank you all so much. To those who wish they could rip out a heart (preferably a blue one, am I right?) or who knit on busses, the Lego historian who loved Lego since before it was cool, those who collect Duplo because seriously - a toy is a toy is a toy - and those who obviously love Lego so much they really didn't get my point and all the ones in between - thank you.

I came out of my Lego closet. It was pretty obvious I was in there as it was all multicoloured and all. My partner (who is also a woman) was surprisingly more understanding than I expected, possibly because one of the sets I found (box damage for the win!) sold second hand for more than the RRP. I built it with Bella and we didn't say 'piu piu' very often, but there was a lot of 'Can I have a cup of tea?'.

Xoxo.

(snip)

I came out of my Lego closet. It was pretty obvious I was in there as it was all multicoloured and all. My partner (who is also a woman) was surprisingly more understanding than I expected, possibly because one of the sets I found (box damage for the win!) sold second hand for more than the RRP. I built it with Bella and we didn't say 'piu piu' very often, but there was a lot of 'Can I have a cup of tea?'.

Xoxo.

Good for you. I'm glad it all worked out for the best.

Play well.

Yay!

Funny how this thread just keeps coming back.

I believe that the short answer is you don't have to explain it. It is a hobby it is part of who you are, everyone has hobbies.

Just this week my wife had her annual staff (ages 21 - 60) End of semester/Christmas party. Some long time co-workers anxious to see what I have been doing with my LEGO, new ones amazed. LEGO is not a hobby to be ashamed of, it is a hobby and an art form to be proud of.

Andy D

Edited December 15, 201311 yr by Andy D

Explained it to a co-worker, but she is into D&D and Skyrim, so was actually sympathetic and interested

Deleted

Edited December 15, 201311 yr by Off the wall

deleted,

Edited December 16, 201311 yr by Andy D

Andy.......never any driving involved. Just folks from down the way.

Response deleted

Andy D

Edited December 16, 201311 yr by Andy D

Andy, sorry about that. I deleted the post, even though it was based in fact. And I do have three minifigs that are still in what I would call 'critical condition'.

Andy, sorry about that. I deleted the post, even though it was based in fact. And I do have three minifigs that are still in what I would call 'critical condition'.

Your post shows what can happen when you mix LEGO and alcohol and is a story that should be told.

Andy D

Edited December 17, 201311 yr by Andy D

And, so, Andy my friend, we leave nothing but a trail of mystery and the recovering minifigs.

Have a good one, my friend!

And, so, Andy my friend, we leave nothing but a trail of mystery and the recovering minifigs.

Have a good one, my friend!

You also, I hope those minifigs have a speedy recovery.

What?! ^

I so want to know what went on there. I have intense FOMO.

Haha, yes I too am curious. But if what Andy D said is ture, and it has to do with Alcohol, best it be left alone I guess.

Edited December 15, 201311 yr by Freddy Bricker

To summarize in brief, I had a few minifigs fall victim to either some Legophobes or some who over indulged in adult beverages. Or maybe both. Anyway, the entire event points out the urgent need for a modular building in the form of a hospital with a level one trauma center. The basis of the entire event was an inability of some to accept my interest in Lego. Whatever, my minifigs are in hiding until they're sure I won't be having any more holiday get togethers.

^ What he said...^. ;);)

Andy D

Edited December 16, 201311 yr by Andy D

Right! Am I the only one to think this constitutes another form of 'playing' with Lego?

To summarize in brief, I had a few minifigs fall victim to either some Legophobes or some who over indulged in adult beverages. Or maybe both. Anyway, the entire event points out the urgent need for a modular building in the form of a hospital with a level one trauma center. The basis of the entire event was an inability of some to accept my interest in Lego. Whatever, my minifigs are in hiding until they're sure I won't be having any more holiday get togethers.

Pictures or it did not happen ....

Pictures or it did not happen ....

I'm having about 40 linear feet of kitchen cabinets refaced this week. The odor and fumes from a lot of solvents and glues are in the air. I could have sworn it actually happened.

I'm having about 40 linear feet of kitchen cabinets refaced this week. The odor and fumes from a lot of solvents and glues are in the air. I could have sworn it actually happened.

Huh???

Andy D

I truthfully tell people the LEGO is for my son. I don't add that it will only be fully his after my estate is settled.