Is it normal random people ask me if i'm military and or law enforcement

73% Normal
11 Comments

I have an issue that's been bothering me for some time now. Frequently, when I go out to places and make small talk with people they almost always ask if I'm Military or Law Enforcement. It makes me laugh because I'm neither. I also notice that they appear intimidated or are very respectful towards me when they address me. 9 times out of 10 they refer to me as Sir.

Doesn't sound too bad you might think but I'm a young person, I'm only 24. It feels awkward going to the grocery store for example and having the young attendant establish an easy conversation with the fellow in front of me, but then when I'm up they get all serious and greet me as Sir, in a very formal manner. What makes it worse is that I get the same treatment from all age groups. Just the other day I was at the theatre smoking a cigarette just before the line in front of me. I had a young guy politely ask me "Sir, are you waiting in line or is it alright if me and my friends get through?

I'm probably not making much sense by now, seems more like a rant. But yeah, why is it that people think I'm such a serious man? I only asked one person why they thought this of me and they responded the following:

"You have a serious demeanor and an intense look about your eyes. That and you are physically fit with short hair"

I thought about it for a while and what does being physically fit and having short hair have to do with being so formal around me. I enjoy decent folks but wouldn't mind if people were a bit more down to earth. i also do not know what an intense look in the eyes truly means.. In any event, anyone else have a similar experience? Thanks for reading.

Voting Results
73% Normal
Based on 59 votes (43 yes)
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Comments ( 11 )
  • Neon.s
    12 years ago

    "You have a serious demeanor and an intense look about your eyes. That and you are physically fit with short hair"

    And are you kinda silent guy ? ( don't talk with stranger )
    And you never smile ?

    I think I got this problem too, my eyes looked intensed when I stare people.

    I thought that was the good things that everyone respect you!

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  • Just_feed_me_Troll_Meat
    12 years ago

    Its strange how they mistake you for being in law enforcement or military instead of being a douchebag or a tool first?

    Judging by your stupid story my first impression was of somewhere in between a douche and a tool.

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    • tbruce777
      10 months ago

      Says the one who comes off as a Douche or tool to even respond like that. Who know's maybe you've changed over the last 11yrs.

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    • badmanalive
      12 years ago

      This

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  • Captain_Kegstand
    12 years ago

    In my opinion, there are much worse things to be mistaken for than military or police!

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  • rayst
    12 years ago

    Hahaha if something bothers you that much, why ask only one real person before asking complete strangers who can't answer because they have only your side of the situation with no picture or video?

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  • Black21
    12 years ago

    Thanks for the responses, much appreciated. I don't understand why that one poster insulted me. I didn't personally attack you. I don't want people to be rude or nasty, I just expressed how I would appreciate people being less "serious" when speaking to me. You can sense when someone is intimidated by you and is being extremely formal. Had this happened in a formal setting I wouldn't mind, but this happens occasionally in relaxed settings.

    I think Angel In A Glass Dress sums it up well. I enjoy physical activity and like normal haircuts. Apparently being fit and having a normal mans haircut is enough these days to give people the vibe that you're serious business. HAHA. With that said, I do mind being mistaken for Military and Law Enforcement for the simple fact that those folks are better than I am. The men and women who serve this country deserve that honor, not me. I have the utmost respect for US Military and Law Enforcement.

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  • Charmo
    12 years ago

    I haven't been mistaken for a police officer or anything like that, but most people that I've met assume that I am a very serious kinda guy, and I too get the sense that some people feel somewhat intimidated by me, when, in fact, I am quite the opposite of what they expect.

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  • thewillies99
    12 years ago

    I would consider their comments a compliment. Enjoy the attention.

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  • Angel_in_a_Glass_Dress
    12 years ago

    "You have a serious demeanor and an intense look about your eyes. That and you are physically fit with short hair"

    Yep. I was thinking "Do you have a military hair cut?" ... then I read your comment about your hair.

    Although personally I tend to call ALL strangers "ma'am" or "sir" but that's because I was military.

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  • NeuroNeptunian
    12 years ago

    Happens to me when I do quite a bit of physical/manual labor (I am a female). They ask me if I am military or training for military, because you have to be in the military to be of my generation AND not on a couch playing XBox or rotting on the computer all friggin day. But maybe it's because I am in a military town.

    Ah well, normal if you have the demeanor for it.

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