theothermarion wrote: I'm sure they did see it that way, and, in fact, I did ask what they did in their spare time, which is why I know they didn't have a hobby. I told them about the change in quilting lately. They seemed sort of interested. And then I changed the subject to what they liked to read...we don't really talk about work when we are out. It wasn't a big deal either way on this trip, but I was just wondering if others hear the same comment. It was the end of a looong day and I was pretty tired...guess I didn't handle it as well as I should.

Maybe the best response was to ask what they did in their spare time. Or say something about quilting as therapy because of the job! Or just change the subject back to job related things. Perhaps they see quilting as something grandma did and just don't know about the wide variety of quilts that are made!

I went on a short business trip this week with some colleagues who I don't work very closely with on a normal day, and we had a lot of time we were sort of stuck together to talk...especially since our plane got delayed on the way home by several hours because of a storm...and we talked about what we did beyond work. I told them about my quilting passion. They reacted like I'm someone from another planet. Neither of them have a hobby. Maybe we ARE from different planets.

Anyway, the woman colleague made that comment that always tells you they think quilting is the most boring pursuit they can possibly think of "I don't have the patience for that." :shock: My response was, "I don't think takes patience, it takes passion." Heheheh. She looked at me like I'd fallen off a turnip truck. The guy said he guessed he'd never retire because he would get too bored.

Most of my colleagues that I work closely with have seen some of my quilts and love them, and quite a few seem genuinely enthusiastic. But most of them have hobbies of their own...even a few quilters out there.

Question: How often do you hear that comment? And, what do you answer, if anything?