Hi's

Thought I might share this while its still fresh in my mind and all.
So yesterday afternoon I got a call from my partner to get take-out on the way home as fridge was looking somewhat scarce. So I thought cool, I will pick up some Nando's on the way as its near where I live.
Just as I got to the door and looked in I freaked and my stomach sunk.
The store was totally empty except right near the counter where around 6 young guys (25ish) sat, bellowed loudly and carried on as they do, just to paint the picture a bit better, these were the kinda guys that drive up and down a cafe strip blaring bad techno music in there hotted up cars - scary, well scary to me.
My immediate reaction was, nup I ain't going in, will go get pizza instead.
Then I thought #*#@!! it! Its my damn chicken shop too

So flung my hair back stuck up my noses opened the door and trotted in.
Of coarse their bellowing immediately stopped upon my entry as I thought and I could feel their stares behind me. Just waiting for the ->-bleeped-<- comments to come...
Nothing.. yet.. I ordered and then sat down on the other side of the shop near the door rather flustered, batting away furiously on my phone to appear very preoccupied.
Still nothing.. some talking amongst themselves which I couldn't understand and then soon after they all started to get up and prepare to leave, to which I immediately thought, great here it comes..
To my pleasant surprise the first one walked past and said "nice tats babe" followed by the second who said "yeah, they look really cool" and "seeya love".
I shakily turned and said thanks nearly swallowing my tongue.
Couldn't believe it.
I was so overjoyed and suprised I practically skipped home.
I honestly don't know how well I pass, so I often get timid and shy around people, especially younger guys. This incident was such positive reinforcement for me, it totally turned out nothing like I had thought, instead of leaving the shop miserable I left with my held head high and smiling. They obviously had no idea and were actually nice.
Anyway I'm sure this story is old news to many of you who have been full-time or out for a while. But I've only been full-time for 2 months so this was my first

I guess the moral of all this is, hold your head up, be proud and do what you gotta do because you never know how things will turn out, you may just be surprised

Its just as much our world as anyone elses.
Sorry for the long tale.
Jay-Bird