This was a comment by a veterinary friend of mine when I asked for general dating advice. I am sure he meant well but I am not sure why he said it. Why wouldn't I tell my date about an exciting hobby of mine?
I am proud of being an amateur radio operator or "ham". My dad has been a ham for over 50 years. I grew up exposed to the hobby. My dad had radios, technical manuals, and electronic equipment scattered around the house. He went to the monthly ham radio meetings of several clubs. I spoke on the radio many times as a child. While I was growing up, I put "getting my ham radio license" on my to-do list. However, as a busy college student and then even busier veterinarian, I never make the time to actually get it done. A few years ago, a large thunderstorm hit the Chicago area. I lost power at home and couldn't access the TV weather reports. I remember the moment when I realized that if I had my ham radio license and a radio, I would know what was happening with the storm in my immediate area. The next day, I purchased the beginner Technician manual from the American Radio Relay League. I read it thoroughly and studied the current questions and correct answers before taking the test. I passed the test with a good grade and received my ham radio license in a week. I wish our tests in veterinary school gave the students all the questions and answers to study! I joined a local club and was appointed to a committee chair position. I upgraded my technician class license to the General and Extra Class within 6 months. I purchased several radios for my house and truck. As an overachieving veterinarian, I jumped into my new hobby 110%.
A funny thing happened at a recent dinner party when a friend introduced me to her newly single veterinarian friend. She tried very hard to find something that we would have in common. She tried everything from skiing, hiking, colleges attended, and places we traveled. Except for our profession, we didn't share too many things. He enjoys sailing and I get seasick. I love to ski and he hates cold weather. Finally after many topics and hobbies were discussed, I told her to tell him that I am a ham radio operator. She is one of my friends that teased me about having this unusual hobby. Who else would share it in the internet and iphone age? What man would be impressed by this hobby in a prospective date? To our amazement, he informed us that he is a ham radio operator also!!! The conversation turned to us talking about radios, antennas, clubs, and frequencies......much to our mutual friend's chagrin. We finally had a common hobby to chat about during the rest of dinner.
A final comment to my friend who said not to tell guys that I am a ham: Thanks for the advice, but I think I will inform all prospective dates about my amateur radio hobby. They may be an amateur radio operator also!
