True Lovers of Orchids vs "Crazy Orchid Maniacs"

[My Green Pets]

Many of us are crazy about orchids, sure.

But recently I have noticed more and more people online that are publicizing their 'addiction' as much as possible, going so far as labeling themselves "Crazy Orchid Maniac" or what have you.

At this weekend's show, I encountered my first of these in person: hair dyed blue and purple and pink, adorned with artificial orchid flowers, wearing various shades of pastels and shiny purple high heels. Oh yeah, and glitter—lots of glitter. A six-foot-tall orchid pixie, this person was certainly focused on bringing as much attention to themselves as possible.

Am I a curmudgeon for feeling a slight twinge of irritation at someone plastering "Orchid Maniac" all over themselves?

Am I wrong to feel somewhat suspicious that most likely, this type of person actually has very little knowledge about the natural history or horticultural techniques of orchids?

Why do I resent this type of behavior? Is it because I feel that they are projecting an image of an orchid lover that misrepresents me? Or is it because I feel that they are using this thing that I love and respect as a pathetic excuse to beg for attention?

Am I now or have I ever been this type of person?

Or maybe I am jealous because I want to be the orchid pixie too?



Note - All characters appearing in this post are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

[AnonYMouse]

I call it attention whoring.

[wintergirl]

Love this post, CambriaWhat. Very thought provoking

[My Green Pets]

Originally Posted by AnonYMouse

I call it attention whoring.

Then I need a shirt or something that says "Attention whoring offends me."

Of course, then I'd be attention whoring, too!

Btw I love your petty things / sweaty things quote and am totally going to use it

[AnonYMouse]

Most of us like to get the good kind of attention. But we want to deserve it. We're mortified when we deserve the bad kind.

Some people don't discriminate the kind of attention they get. They want any kind.

BTW, the line is from George Carlin, IIRC. The internet concurs.

[estación seca]

I view it as good practice in getting along with people at work, where I have to put up with non-orchid crazies all the time. Plus I suspect not everybody would want to spend every day with me, and I'm glad at least a few people put up with me even though they don't have to.

[Leafmite]

Where I live, I am happy to meet a person who has a single houseplant! When they mention they have two or three, I pretend to be impressed. I don't usually dare mention I have a few more than that. Having just a few plants or orchids seems to be pretty normal so I can see why people think it is impressive that they have five or six. Many of us forget what 'normal' is, I think.
Seriously, outside of an orchid society or a professional grower, how many people do you know who have over fifty plants/orchids INDOORS?

[My Green Pets]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

Seriously, outside of an orchid society or a professional grower, how many people do you know who have over fifty plants/orchids INDOORS?

To be honest, I think I've lost the ability to gauge a 'normal' amount of indoor greenery. One or two plants per room except the bedrooms is pretty normal, right?

[estación seca]

The vast majority of people I meet have never had a house plant, have never planted anything outside, and have never met anybody who has.

[Leafmite]

Originally Posted by CambriaWhat

To be honest, I think I've lost the ability to gauge a 'normal' amount of indoor greenery. One or two plants per room except the bedrooms is pretty normal, right?

It is much more normal than what I have happening here.