Do you mind if I borrow your pen?
Sep 13, 2018, 1:15 pm
#151
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Southern California
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Sep 13, 2018, 1:45 pm
#153
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This thread has however caused me to reconsider my generous and accommodating outlook in response to the number of condescending and "morally superior" people who disparage those who don't immediately turn over their personal property to a complete and perhaps unwashed stranger upon request. I may now stop lending pens entirely or at least deliver a stern lecture on the need for proper preparation and self-reliance when travelling and demand to know if they washed their hands after having a pee.
Sep 13, 2018, 2:39 pm
#154
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Southern California
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Posts: 580
Sep 13, 2018, 3:11 pm
#155
Moderator: SAS
Join Date: Feb 2018
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This is why I have eight pens in my blazer. Yes, you read that correctly: eight.
In my early days of travel (a few years ago) I always took a pen with me from the hotel or airline (only the nice metalic ones) and put them in my left pocket of the blazer. they started pilling up until I had five and there was no more room for other ones. (and the weight is really a problem when you have more than five pens and something else in the pocket). I am happy to lend them to others but will watch them carefully so that i do get the pen back, as I’ve been using and seeing them for years. (Yes, they are pens and yet I have built a small sentimental relationship with them, heck I could even tell you by heart in whoch order (from left to right) what branded pen sits including when and where I got them. sue me).In my other pocket I have an etui that was gifted to me from the wife from my then recently deceased grand uncle. It was gifted to him by her very early in their relationship and he had it with him most if not all the time. I will never ever lend one of those three pens to anybody. Maybe the guy you described was in a similar situation.
In my opinion a pen is something one just has to have with him all the time. This is closly followed by a handkerchief and a pocket knife and maybe a lighter. (as well as obvious things like ID and a Credit Card)
In my early days of travel (a few years ago) I always took a pen with me from the hotel or airline (only the nice metalic ones) and put them in my left pocket of the blazer. they started pilling up until I had five and there was no more room for other ones. (and the weight is really a problem when you have more than five pens and something else in the pocket). I am happy to lend them to others but will watch them carefully so that i do get the pen back, as I’ve been using and seeing them for years. (Yes, they are pens and yet I have built a small sentimental relationship with them, heck I could even tell you by heart in whoch order (from left to right) what branded pen sits including when and where I got them. sue me).In my other pocket I have an etui that was gifted to me from the wife from my then recently deceased grand uncle. It was gifted to him by her very early in their relationship and he had it with him most if not all the time. I will never ever lend one of those three pens to anybody. Maybe the guy you described was in a similar situation.
In my opinion a pen is something one just has to have with him all the time. This is closly followed by a handkerchief and a pocket knife and maybe a lighter. (as well as obvious things like ID and a Credit Card)
Last edited by Nick Art; Sep 13, 2018 at 3:17 pm
Sep 13, 2018, 4:03 pm
#156
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Sep 13, 2018, 4:06 pm
#157
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,808
I wouldn't carry an empty pen on the off chance some Kettle or other dufus might ask to borrow one. I'd just lend them mine but keep a close eye on it.
This thread has however caused me to reconsider my generous and accommodating outlook in response to the number of condescending and "morally superior" people who disparage those who don't immediately turn over their personal property to a complete and perhaps unwashed stranger upon request. I may now stop lending pens entirely or at least deliver a stern lecture on the need for proper preparation and self-reliance when travelling and demand to know if they washed their hands after having a pee.
This thread has however caused me to reconsider my generous and accommodating outlook in response to the number of condescending and "morally superior" people who disparage those who don't immediately turn over their personal property to a complete and perhaps unwashed stranger upon request. I may now stop lending pens entirely or at least deliver a stern lecture on the need for proper preparation and self-reliance when travelling and demand to know if they washed their hands after having a pee.
Sep 13, 2018, 4:21 pm
#158
Moderator: SAS
Join Date: Feb 2018
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Sep 13, 2018, 4:36 pm
#159
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
This is why I have eight pens in my blazer. Yes, you read that correctly: eight.
In my early days of travel (a few years ago) I always took a pen with me from the hotel or airline (only the nice metalic ones) and put them in my left pocket of the blazer. they started pilling up until I had five and there was no more room for other ones. (and the weight is really a problem when you have more than five pens and something else in the pocket). I am happy to lend them to others but will watch them carefully so that i do get the pen back, as I’ve been using and seeing them for years. (Yes, they are pens and yet I have built a small sentimental relationship with them, heck I could even tell you by heart in whoch order (from left to right) what branded pen sits including when and where I got them. sue me).In my other pocket I have an etui that was gifted to me from the wife from my then recently deceased grand uncle. It was gifted to him by her very early in their relationship and he had it with him most if not all the time. I will never ever lend one of those three pens to anybody. Maybe the guy you described was in a similar situation.
In my opinion a pen is something one just has to have with him all the time. This is closly followed by a handkerchief and a pocket knife and maybe a lighter. (as well as obvious things like ID and a Credit Card)
In my early days of travel (a few years ago) I always took a pen with me from the hotel or airline (only the nice metalic ones) and put them in my left pocket of the blazer. they started pilling up until I had five and there was no more room for other ones. (and the weight is really a problem when you have more than five pens and something else in the pocket). I am happy to lend them to others but will watch them carefully so that i do get the pen back, as I’ve been using and seeing them for years. (Yes, they are pens and yet I have built a small sentimental relationship with them, heck I could even tell you by heart in whoch order (from left to right) what branded pen sits including when and where I got them. sue me).In my other pocket I have an etui that was gifted to me from the wife from my then recently deceased grand uncle. It was gifted to him by her very early in their relationship and he had it with him most if not all the time. I will never ever lend one of those three pens to anybody. Maybe the guy you described was in a similar situation.
In my opinion a pen is something one just has to have with him all the time. This is closly followed by a handkerchief and a pocket knife and maybe a lighter. (as well as obvious things like ID and a Credit Card)
-James
Sep 13, 2018, 5:34 pm
#160
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Sep 13, 2018, 8:35 pm
#161
Join Date: Dec 2007
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Sep 14, 2018, 7:08 am
#162
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: Qatar, Turkish, Aeroflot
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Already have and in the Gulf. I find them worse than the ex USSR. However, I have a far greater experience pan Russia etc than China/the Gulf and know what most westerners would find infuriating is commonplace in other parts of the world.
Sep 19, 2018, 12:41 pm
#163
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Land of Enchantment!
Programs: Southwest RR, Alaska Mileage Plan™
Posts: 341
Some people always lose pens, and some people are always finding pens.
I am the latter.
In school, I always found pens or pencils on the floors, and would pick them up. Almost everyone in class learned that I had extras I would loan.
I carry 2-3 pens, including freebies from conferences, etc. I also have to have one for my wife as she always is borrowing mine.
I am the latter.
In school, I always found pens or pencils on the floors, and would pick them up. Almost everyone in class learned that I had extras I would loan.
I carry 2-3 pens, including freebies from conferences, etc. I also have to have one for my wife as she always is borrowing mine.
Sep 20, 2018, 12:01 am
#164
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: EMA (how boring) but BHX is more convenient.
Posts: 2,374
I foolishly flew without a pen last time out, but just asked a Flight Attendant for one.
I'm probably the other way around. Some time ago I loaned someone a pen in a meeting, and they put it in their mouth. My main concern was for them, as I of course knew where the pen had been.
Some people are just selfish, but I can see reasonable reasons behind the refusal.
I personally wash my hands at the first chance I get after getting off an airplane because the surfaces are so contaminated by dirt, grime, DNA, and micro-organisms. Airplanes, and the people on them, are generally gross.
I don't want a stranger handling my pen - I don't know where your hands have been! It isn't your seat neighbor's responsibility to have a pen for you. Even though it would have been nice of him to loan the pen, he is within his rights to be selfish and I'm sure you found plenty of pens in the CBP area at your arrival airport and went about your day with minimal delay anyway.
I personally wash my hands at the first chance I get after getting off an airplane because the surfaces are so contaminated by dirt, grime, DNA, and micro-organisms. Airplanes, and the people on them, are generally gross.
I don't want a stranger handling my pen - I don't know where your hands have been! It isn't your seat neighbor's responsibility to have a pen for you. Even though it would have been nice of him to loan the pen, he is within his rights to be selfish and I'm sure you found plenty of pens in the CBP area at your arrival airport and went about your day with minimal delay anyway.
Sep 26, 2018, 3:38 pm
#165
Join Date: Mar 2007
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Ooh, that gives me an evil idea! Next time my pen explodes in flight, instead of throwing it out I will put the cap back on and store it in my bag. When someone presumes to ask to borrow a pen, I'll give them the busted pen. Then, not only will they not be able to fill out their form, they'll have ink all over their fingers and possibly clothes, too!