This may smatter of self-pity, but...
...the nicest thing people do for me is just to talk to me like a normal person.

I'm very tall, broad shouldered, and crew-cutted* - and I've been cursed with a face that perpetually looks scowl-ly and angry - Sort of a cross between Charlie Brooker and Marcus from Fallout 2 (google-image search the latter if you're not familiar).

I basically look like I'm about to shout at you/punch you/rape you.

But I'm not. I'm really not.

If I stop a stranger in the street to ask directions, they'll back away slightly, usually look scared, and, if female, clutch at their handbag. Sometimes people will even cross the street to avoid me. But occasionally - VERY occasionally - someone will just approach me and fearlessly talk to me like a normal person. Which I am, kinda. And it makes me go all wobbly and pink and appreciative inside.

Ladies and Gents; I know we're all told not to judge by appearances, but if you see someone twice your size who looks like an 'orrible piece of work, it's all too easy to instinctively assess them as a threat and avoid them.

When you see someone like that, please, PLEASE attempt to conjure up whatever logical/ethical/moral framework you may have, override you instinct, and give them the benefit of the doubt. Just talk to them normally, without fear. And before you know it you might end up having a lovely chat about your favourite kitten videos from youtube.

Thanks to everyone who doesn't judge by appearances.

Nobuttocks

*i know crew-cuts come with their own set of connotations, but I've only got it because my a-symmetrical balding just looks fucking weird if I grow it.
(nobuttocks last besmirched the internet on, Thu 2 Oct 2008, 22:41, 7 replies)

Whilst I appreciate what you are saying...
this is why people react the way they do: news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7644616.stm

They haven't, as yet, released any pictures of the cunts who did this, but I bet at least one has a crew cut.

But, like I said, I appreciate what you are saying, and apologise in advance for all the skinheads who I will be too afraid to approach, because I'm sure most will be nice, but what if I get the wrong one :(

/puss
( Soggy, Thu 2 Oct 2008, 22:57, closed)

FFS
A really nice looking kid killed his parents and took their money to go on holiday recently. You're making assumptions about the guys, and that's just what buttocks is saying.
( Madam Marlboro wonders if you've found her yet, Thu 2 Oct 2008, 23:53, closed)

Have a sympathy click.
I know how you feel, I'm 6ft 7, and unless I'm intentionally smiling I have a constant frown.
(Madlyinsane, Thu 2 Oct 2008, 23:12, closed)

i knew i wasn't the only one;
cheers man. Here's to scaring the shit out of lone women at nighttime when asking if they've got a light.

Still - a lot of the time being tall & looking mean comes in handy - I suspect I've avoided a lot of fights/hassle because of it (though obviously I'll never know for sure)
(nobuttocks last besmirched the internet on, Fri 3 Oct 2008, 10:22, closed)

Hmmm
6'6'' here, broad, scowly.....are we related?

:P
(Lukekull Fuck, Fri 3 Oct 2008, 10:25, closed)

not sure
but we could start a support group
(nobuttocks last besmirched the internet on, Fri 3 Oct 2008, 12:56, closed)

I'm only 6'2"
and of an average build, but lots of tattoo's on my arms. After a bad haircut I decided to shave my hair and let it grow back in.
I was brought up with manners and am always polite to strangers and in this case customers, at a previous job a man of Arab descent's credit card was refused and I had to check his ID. Of course I was a racist for doing this, he complains to our head office and I'm dragged up for a complaints board.

I could see on the face of the regional manager when he saw me in work that his first impression was the same. Then we spoke, I explained exactly what had happened and was backed by my good mate and assistant manager. The regional manager came to the same conclusion we had almost instantly. The fella was an idiot and thought he could play the race card, nearly loosing me my job in the process.

I'm rocking my quiff-hawk again and no one thinks I'm a racist.
( Laird Dave Draws Now charges to take off his clothes., Fri 3 Oct 2008, 12:19, closed)