I was asked by my office manager today if I was "one of those survivalist people". She actually wanted my opinion about a piece of gear.

Without missing a beat, I jokingly told her I'm an "emergency preparedness advocate" or a "post-apocalyptic survivability enthusiast". I thought it was funny, the look on her face was priceless while she mulled it over.

I don't much care for the term "survivalist", so I prefer to use other terminology.

What do you consider yourself?

Prepared.

A realist.

Why? Because, I understand that sometime, if you need something done, you have to do it yourself. You can't always take things for granted.

Someone who prefers a quite banal death in bed after a lifetime full of bad habits, over an ugly accidental death due to circumstances beyond my control or at the hands of another.

Someone who never wants to be forced to explain to their family why they have to be wet, cold, or hungry, and why there is nothing I can do to save them from danger.

Responsible.

Think about it, it cuts both ways.

I like that. Honest, yet subtle. I doubt most folks would get the insult as well.

I am Responsible!

Mike

I'm independent and responsibly preparing to not become dependent because of a disaster.

I am prepared.

I like outdoor gear.

I prefer the outdoors to the Outdoor Channel.