Post #213181 by midnite on Tue, Feb 7, 2006 11:01 AM

Big mistake. Although my folks enjoyed the party and their friends and there were a few minutes of "ooh's" and "ahh's" when they first saw the bar, none of the "invitees" had tiki blood in their bones. None wore anything tiki even though I suggested tiki duds or "luau" or Hawaiian shirts (to make it simple for the un-initiated).

Now, you cannot expect folks to dress in a manner they're really not accustomed. You invited "non-tiki people" over, should have expected primarily "non-tiki" reactions. Sounds like you got some positive responses to the room, that's good. Seems like par for the course, the people just didn't dig the Polynesian affect. Different strokes, ya know? Invite some other people over and maybe next time everyone will think you're cooler than the other side of the pillow.

You missed your target audience. Simple as that. I know Garth Brooks has sold a lot of albums, but I don't know anyone who actually owns one. Check that, I live with someone who does(eeek!). Civil War re-enacters and folks in Country & Western bars seem to enjoy themselves. Put me in those environments and I will be looking for a way out like a coyote stuck in a steel trap.

*And worst of all, they referred to tiki drinks as "sissy" drinks! I wanted to push them off my bar stools. So they drank beers. I was soooooooo bummed after all that work. *

There are times I am at Vic's or some such Polynesian/Tiki watering hole and witness people ordering beer or some other non-tropical beverage. It's disappointing and somewhat aggravating. Alas, it's their call, and loss. One cannot make a person appreciate the finer things, you can try but tastes differ too much. I know, you're thinking, "then explain Celine Dion!" Sorry, almost all "midnite rules of life" do not apply to Quebecois.

*I wish I had been prepared for the sissy drink comment. I can't believe a beer is less "sissy" than a zombie, maitai, or a few of the other hardier tiki drinks. *

They ain't and that type of comment invariably originates from lack of experience with good tropical drinks. Ignorant phrase, pay it no mind.

*I admit it. My feelings were hurt. And it made my whole tiki bar seem ridiculous and I was ready to tear it all out and just replace it with sports bar gear. *

Understandable. You obviously worked hard on your home tiki space and put considerable effort in the preparation and execution of the party. You either do "things" for yourself and the enjoyment you gain from them or you endeavor to receive other's approval. Human beings definitely need that acknowledgment, that "cool, you done good, nice job, you're the best" type recognition. It's natural. Beware letting it override your own interests when said interest does not result in others warm recognition. Translation: do want you want, your happiness is worth more than a few random "atta boys" from people that probably don't matter that much to you. Quoting a man a wee bit smarter than Professor Midnite, Richard Feynman, "Do you really care what others think of you?"

Anybody else have this experience or know how to handle this kind of lack of appreciation in the future??

Ya could do like me and have no friends! Everyone I know digs everything I like. Notwithstanding the nomadic recluse life, just go with it. You're on this planet a short time, enjoy it and don't sweat it if your friends/family are on a different frequency. The ones that matter will appreciate you, for what really counts: How much money you have!

Professor midnite's life lesson is now over, must go meet with my P.O. You owe me one Zombie, with no sissy umbrella!