Need ideas for not looking like an old creep

I'm a middle-aged single man and always feel out of place when I go places where groups of people usually go. Amusement parks, beaches, etc. I want to look like I have a reason for being alone. I thought about having a clipboard and wearing a hard hat so it looks like I am working. Or dragging an empty stroller around like a dad whose wife went to the bathroom with the baby or something.

It's not a big deal but I don't like having that stigma in the back of my mind while I'm trying to fully enjoy myself.

Voting Results
43% Normal
Based on 7 votes (3 yes)
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Comments ( 22 )
  • Tealights

    1. Get in shape. You're single, so become your healthiest self and make your life about you.

    2. Make friends. You have hobbies you like? Clubs you can join? Join them. For example, I might take archery lessons soon, and I know I'm going to meet people of all ages and backgrounds who may become a life long friend.

    3. Don't give A fuck. If you want to go to the amusement park alone, then go. Focus your enjoyment on the rides and food, you're not there to meet the woman of your dreams or whatnot, you're there for yourself. Even make conversation with park employees if the opportunities presents itself.

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  • Boojum

    Yeah, walking around in a disguise with bogus props isn't going to make you look creepy at all.

    🙄

    I can to some extent understand why you feel that being alone marks you out as odd, since there's so much propaganda from all over the place that the natural state for people is to be part of a couple or a family. But the truth is that a huge number of people are single at any particular point, and there's no shame in that.

    If you've reached middle-age, you should have realised long ago that the vast majority of people are far too involved in their own lives and far too concerned with presenting a good front to everyone else to really care about you. You're just not all that important to them, dude.

    As long as you're wearing clothing that more or less conforms to the social norms wherever you live and you're not doing anything to draw attention to yourself, you're just part of the wallpaper to virtually everyone you'll ever see on your outings.

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  • SmokeEverything

    Why not just talk to people? No one will think you're a creep unless you act creepy

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  • Doesnormalmatter

    This is low key sad.

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    • litelander8

      More overwhelming sad.

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  • CapriSun

    Why not try reading in public or drawing? Writing? I always write in public, and read. You’re busy enough where you could still meet people, but you shouldn’t be bothered or considered a “creep”. Although, if anybody’s judgmental enough to think you’re a creep just because of the way you look fuck em, people will always have their opinion

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    • BoobarellaG

      Take an art class. Learn to sketch. Get a few pencils,charcoal, sketch pad. Go to a park and sketch buildings, etc. People will stop to see what you are doing.

      Have a small attractive puppy helps too. Girls love 'em.

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  • leggs91200

    I think a lot of people feel out of place or whatever because society and especially advertisers want that so we will buy stuff.

    The truth is, yes people are judging others, there is no escape. Worrying about it or becoming a recluse doesn't help any.

    Unless you are doing something weird like trying to hang out with the younger crowd, most people probably don't even notice you.

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  • FromTheSouthWeirdMan

    Its way more creepy to be pretending to be a worker or dad. You might even get the cops called.

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  • Bah, don't worry about it. I don't look at people like you as creeps, unless you're acting creepy by watching other people and skulking.

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  • McBean

    Even as a young man pushing a stroller with my kids accompanied by my wife, I have been branded as a creep all my life. There is nothing that can be done, except to become perceptive enough to identify the 70% of women who believe I am creepy. These are weak minded females that don't deserve a speck of attention from anybody. It's their loss, not yours.

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  • HawaiiOnMyMind

    Get a mountain bike (if you’re able) 🚵‍♀️ it boosts ur mood puts u in better shape helps keep u active and gives u something to talk about get up early set goals for yourself create new challenges

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  • RoseIsabella

    Just try to be chill.

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  • ToffeeMe

    How sad it is. But, you can still make things turn around and be happy? Wouldn't it be nice if you try going out with someone or watch movies? Or try to find out what thing could make you happy?

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  • dimwitted

    Wear a hat, sunglasses and give out candy to children. When some idiot kid actually takes the candy, yell at the parents for not teaching the kid better.

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    • curious-bunny

      I would of taken the candy. I was just that type of kid

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      • Boojum

        Did you get into cars to look at puppies too?

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        • curious-bunny

          Haha no. I would've though, but honestly I was very trusting of strangers. You could simply ask me to go with you and I would. My parents tested it. I went with the strange man

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          • leggs91200

            The horror stories my step dad told me about strangers was enough to make me deathly afraid of strange adults.

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