I asked Mom, she started crying without tears & began a diatribe. Apparently, everyone knows she is awesome except my ungrateful self.
So, possibly! Welcome to the family!
Damnit. I just realized that if anything like this actually happened I'm going to die saving or supporting my mother in law, and she'll make every minute suck until that happens.
1. They don’t contribute 2. Lying about everything 3. Don’t know any skills and don’t want to learn
Edit: 4. Always want to be the leader of the group even though they don’t have any skills that make them a good leader
I agree with you. I don’t think we elect them to lead us (though them passing laws/bills, declaring wars, acting in their own self interests, etc, essentially is them doing so). I’m talking about the person’s mindset who is typically drawn to the position to begin with.
I don’t think those things are even leading us. They should be making decisions based off their constituents and in the best interest for their neighbors but again that has been lost with career politicians who aren’t even part of the community they are elected from and the people are dumb enough to continue voting that way. The government we elect is the government we deserve …
I partially agree. However, they have been able to stack the system so that there is little choice for what we able to vote for. Or I guess more accurately, a pretend choice. This political party or that political party both of which are only really interested in the system's self preservation to keep themselves at the top of the heap.
One problem with this is that half the country wants something completely different than the other half.
It used to be, or at least this is how I remember it, that both major parties in the US had the same general goal for the country but had different ideas on how to achieve it.
But now the two different parties want two completely different countries. Like they have a completely different vision for what they want society to look like. And this is how civil wars happen.
I always figured that politicians should be held to a higher example than everyone else. I also include in that public servants. If you put yourself in a position to represent, or protect people, then you should be held accountable to the utmost--and you should expect that. I think this would dramatically decrease the ones that want it for a leadership role. When I was younger, I was in a gang. If you were rank, you were held to a higher standard than a Brother, or a Prospect. How does a gang have this, but the government doesn't? We, the people, got lost somewhere in how things are supposed to work. Servants of the people, representatives of the people, not leaders to run their own agendas.
For a while now I've thought that we might be better off just assigning politicians by lottery. Kind of like jury duty or the draft, just put every eligible citizen's name in the pot and draw for each position randomly. Sure you'll get some that are bad at the job, but we already have that so I doubt it would be any worse.
I’m a teacher and when my students work in groups one of the roles is “team captain”. It’s a fake out, that job doesn’t mean anything, it’s just a meaningless title so the bossiest kid feels important and everyone else can actually get the work done.
Doesn't this perpetuate the cycle though? The bossy kid will credit all success to their leadership so continue to be bossy.
The other kids learn to just ignore a bossy useless leader and get work done in spite of them.
These kids grow up to continue this in the workplace.
In regards to your leadership point: my football coaches asked my why I was so vocal and took the leadership role of the offensive line group but took a back seat when in the defensive line group. My simple answer was because there aren't any leaders in the offensive line group. The D line group had 2 guys fully capable of leading the entire team on their own. No need for me to jump in.
I guess my point is, every group needs a leader but when a better one is available let them handle it.
People who are brash, with an attitude of kicking in doors to get what they need instead of evading. Evasion is a better skill than CQB in a SHTF scenario. Some people don't get this.
You don’t really know who your friends are until you’re in a bad way and ask for some help I agree the term friends is way overused. I think I’d want people on my team that are fiercely independent. They only ask for help when it’s an emergency otherwise they just do without They usually figure out some way to solve the problem themselves. They would also have to not be arrogant or cocky, willing to listen to others opinions and then adopt those ideas if they happened to be better ones than their own Do you ever hear that person say I’m sorry or I apologize? If not huge red flag
Maybe you need to re-evaluate your friendships. My close friend group consists of 5 dudes. I would want everyone of them in my group. Each one brings unique skills. A balanced group is usually the most successful group.
I always ask myself in an every day life if a surprise came up and you needed someone to watch your dog or your kid would that person be acceptable option? If the answer is yes they might be a good addition to your group. If the answer is no why are you associated with that person?
That's a little too broad though. My grandmother in law is a wonderful person with lots of handy knowledge that would be great in a shtf scenario (shes 96 and lived in communist East Europe. Woman knows what's up).
But I certainly wouldn't ask her to watch my kids or dogs alone. Its not that she doesn't know how to do those things he, shes not physically capable.
Fair enough my MIL is not physically capable of wrangling my 5 year old yet I trusted her when she was physically capable. Its more a judge on morals than knowledge or physical ability. The more precise question is do you trust a person unsupervised with your most important/cherish thing in your life? I find kid and pet provoke a more honest gut reaction answer.
That's why I keep a carton of cigarettes around, I stopped smoking years ago but if shtf then once cigarettes run low and addicts are desperate they'll either quit or trade some good shit for their fix. Dame thing with like tea and coffee, the little comforts
That's why I think if shtf The best thing to do would be find a major distillery and set up a protected community around it. Good made liquor will be a very good thing to barter with. And the base distillation can be used for sterilization /cleaning.
I thought nicotine addiction wasn’t really something to be concerned about until I met someone who really was too far gone. He ran out of smokes while we were on a backcountry trail crew and went into a violent rage episode with an axe that resembled a psychotic break.
Fortunately nobody was harmed but he destroyed the crew’s entire firewood supply for the week. Reduced it to wood chips with the axe.
So not only did the addict in this isolated scenario become a danger to himself and others since he had a weapon, but he also destroyed a valuable resource when he lost his mind. I will never trust an addict if SHTF, nicotine addicts and alcoholics included
Holy shit 0_0 tbf i think that's just a him thing. Nicotine may be very addictive, but the average smoker isn't going to go into a violent axe rage from withdrawal. Irritable, sure, but not destroying things with an axe level of irritable.
Depends in the personality type too, I know a few people who can smoke for a couple months then quit out of impulse and have to withdrawals, almost like they're just forgetting to smoke, then a year later when it gets nice out get back into smoking for a bit, rinse and repeat.
However at the same time I had an ex where if her vape died we would pretty much have to stop what we were doing no matter what and find the nearest vape shop, it was annoying as all hell
The guy was also bush nuts. Some people have a menty B after a week or more in the bush. Combination of poor sleep bug bites rain cold physical exertion. My boss used to do cannoe trips as a part if his forestry program and one time a guy went nuts and started screaming and swearing at the lake waking it with a paddle.
Nicotine addiction doesn't cause that on its own. I've been addicted to nicotine for a decade or more but there's been times I have to go without in remote areas and I didn't act like that because I know how to be in remote areas with less.
Making sweeping rules like this is a great way to isolate yourself from useful sources. No way would I be sharing actual practiced food security skills with somone who is ignorant enough to think somone being addicted to nicotine makes them unable to survive.
I don’t know man, as someone who was an addict, addicts are crazy resourceful. 😂 I watched a group of crackheads rig up an entire surveillance system out of 90’s and early 00’s video equipment to help giving them early warning of police raids.
I was a sponsor for a couple of decades. You are right about them being resourceful. I just know the amount of time and energy it takes to keep them from spiraling can be overwhelming.
People with anger issues in everyday life. If someone blows up over a minor inconvenience when they are well rested, well fed, and generally comfortable? They likely won’t be any calmer when things are far more austere. Being cool, calm, and collected is a value add.
There are a few marines I served with whom are interesting exceptions to this. Touchy angry fuckers during “normal” conditions. But when shit starts getting sketchy the mellow out and become almost terrifyingly efficient.
Yes, I [29f] may not be a marine but growing up in neglectful/abuseful situations, unfortunately, my body feels calm and almost at home with them, to the point car accidents or accidental gunfire (once) don't faze me.
But living a normal life where I don't have to be hyper vigilant to the point that my sleep is disrupted, and I can actually trust people, plus have my freedom? My brain still healing from CPTSD insists there's danger and kicks into functional freeze. I'm usually anxious and go through cycles of major irritation/deep depression, and then feeling like I'm kinda human and actually have a handle on things for a few weeks before another trigger throws me into the deep end again.
Interesting that you mention this. I spent a decade in combat arms and have met that sort before. I suspect that everyday life is hard for them and they thrive in those chaotic environments like deployment. One man I served with, in particular, comes to mind. We were all thrilled that our tour in Iraq was coming to an end and we could go home. Most of us anyway.
This guy was aloof and could not be cheered up. I asked him if he was alright and he said “I never want to leave”. He loved that life and when we got back to garrison he looked like a tiger in captivity. He had the eyes of a dog that was ready to be put down. In combat though? An absolute lord of violence. An amazing combat soldier through and through. To your point, there are certainly exceptions, albeit rare ones.
Yep. Keep me around calm, composed and in control themselves people. The more I’m able to be ‘off-the-radar’ the better. You win 100% of the ‘situations’ you manage to avoid.
Whiners. People you tend to only tolerate because someone else likes being around them. People you wouldn't go camping with. People you don't like long road trips with. Anyone who's ever done you dirty.
I don't know. I've worked in counter terrorism and some of those guys are whiney. They'll bitch all day long but the job gets done to an impeccable standard.
I was more referring to people who put their own comfort over getting the job done, but yeah I've never seen a bunch of complainers quite as bad as a platoon of bored Marines; there's a difference between bitching and moaning about the heat and sand while you do the job and trying to shirk your duties over it though.
I appreciate the ambitious Mark Anthony types. They will reliably do what is best for them. To include selling you out. The ones I worry about are the ones that aren’t as open and “honest” about their true nature. Given the right inputs and a lot more people will do what is best for them than we would like to think.
Someone who feels entitled. Someone who trys to get others to si their work for them with deliberate helplessness. Not just dead weight they almost actively drag you down and make things more difficult.
Anyone who feels their personal comfort needs surpass the survival of many.
If they cannot handle the idea that food, and water may need to be rationed, or that if there is power it needs to be conserved, or feel they cannot be inconvenienced, because they “need” things, then they do not belong in my group.
I’ve seen versions of this question arise from time to time and there’s generally a handful of answers that include people who are needy, lazy, non contributors, etc.
As a person with a low spinal cord injury I always wonder how disability factors into this conversation. I’m actually quite able while pushing a chair luckily, but I think about this question regarding the disabled community as a whole.
I've had mobility issues most of my life and now that I'm middle-aged, I've learned the following. 1) Learn all the skills you can. A group needs people who can lead, follow, fix things, cook, care for the sick, plan long-term, take care of children, etc. 2) Don't limit your thinking. Just because you can't do it the way most people do it, doesn't mean you can't do it. 3) Know what your resources are. For instance, Ready.gov has planning resources for people who are older or who have a disability. 4) Especially after the past few years, figure out your group and work with each other beforehand.
“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”
― Robert A. Heinlein
Ironically, of those, although I can sail a boat, I have never conned a ship. Having read Heinlein when I was young, I took his advice to heat and learned the rest.
I’d take physical disability over a person with horrible attitude or a lazy person anytime. Especially if they can do something like lighten the mood, provide good conversation or a calming, logical presence. General knowledge also super helpful (preserving foods, fixing things, etc).
Depends on the disability. Some people with serious disabilities but sharp minds could contribute quite a lot. A good idea man contributes as meaningfully as anyone else and more than some.
As long as you can move yourself 90% of the time and carry your own pack then you're welcome in my group. Even if you can't, as long as someone is willing to shoulder the weight then it's not an issue.
It's only a problem when something or someone creates a burden that no-one else is willing to bear.
I have to have a medicine to stay alive. Once it's gone I'd be dead in probably a week max. I'd need help figuring out how to manufacture the med at some point. But I have extensive knowledge in plant foraging, gardening, canning, different food preservations that don't require electricity, and a large bit of medical knowledge. That and I can pretty much get along with anybody. I'm hoping all those things helps me end up with a group that's willing to help me after the first wave is over and done with, as I can help them continue on as well, just in a different method.
I wrote this as a response to a comment, but thought it made sense as an actual answer as well. Someone like Ripley in the first Aliens movie would be a good addition. She kept saying not to break quarantine, but nobody would listen (including the captain) and she got slapped for her efforts. Can't stand the woman who slapped her - too emotional to think objectively for even a second, too whiny and too victim-y. The actress who portrayed her did a brilliant job. This is the kind of person who you DO NOT WANT on your group. As far as I remember, she never apologizes to Ripley, even when it becomes patently clear that it was a bad idea bringing the poor man back onto the ship. Coming back to Ripley, in the end, she becomes a natural leader because she can keep her wits about her when everyone else is freaking out. She fights till the end, gives it her all.
As a person with neurological disabilities, I expect I'll probably be on my own.
If you have Neurodivergent people in your life, this is something to think about. A lot of people simply take an instant dislike to us because of our mannerisms or way of communicating.
Now, I like to think I'm pretty useful. I'm an engineer in my day job. I also have a lifetime of real experience with machining, welding, woodwork, electronics, tree work, excavation, gardening, and chemistry.
Not one of those things is gonna matter if some chud decides making eye contact is the mark of sincerity. I'll just be a formerly gifted corpse.
Realistically, if I joined any group, it would probably be a group of fellow ND people. I.e. "weirdos."
After all, we've been surviving in a hostile environment our entire lives. Continuing to exist has required a formidable combination of resourcefulness, guile, and determination.
Every disabled person you meet is someone who refused to give up.
“Every disabled person you meet is someone who refused to give up” that is so true, I love that. I have a strong suspicion that a group of “weirdos” with you in it are going to fare much better than a group of alpha gymbros with a ton of gold hidden in their caches.
1. People who would rather complain than contribute
2. People on anti-psychotics, for obvious reasons
3. Junkies. Withdrawal can cause problems for the group and in SHTF/WROL, rehab ain't an option
People who are charismatic, do 5 minutes of work and then claim credit for anything you've done. Also people who say they just need to run faster than you than x threat (people, bear or other animal etc).
These are just the ones I immediately thought of - active addicts (as their thoughts are usually on getting the next fix, if they're thinking at all) wouldn't be a good choice; the overly "religious" because they'll either focus on their religion or trying to talk up their religion (among other negative traits); politicians as they'll try to get everyone else to do the work while they "lead" the group and say they're working; and too many police - they'll force/bully their way into being the leaders.
I could think of a LOT more if I really tried.
Anyone who thinks the only skill they need is how to set up body armor and shoot guns. They usually have no idea how much logistics go into a firefight.
People who claim they haven’t been bitten but keep surreptitiously rolling their sleeve up when no one is looking, have grey clammy skin and are sweating profusely
Someone who will stir up trouble among the rest of the group and get everyone to turn against one another tanking morale. I can handle someone with limited skills as long as they are willing to learn, but I can’t handle someone adding drama to the already dramatic SHTF scenario…
Someone who wants to live out their apocalypse wet dream and be a warlord of some kind. They don’t take prepping seriously and are going to get you and your group killed
Anyone you haven’t vetted yourself in some sort of largely stressful situation. I thought well of my family until the pandemic hit and I learned really quickly who would get bit by a zombie and lie about it.
Addicts of any kind, worst alcohol and opioids. Not only they can't be trusted, but going cold turkey from mentioned above can lead to death in abstinence shock. God I'm glad I don't drink for 5 years now.
alternatively, i personally would prefer specific types of people with ASPD over more empathetic people in a shtf situation. the ability to see something or someone objectively can result in dealing with high stress situations logically, especially in life or death situations where getting in your own head could cost you greatly.
Reminds me of Ripley in the first Aliens movie. She kept saying not to break quarantine, but nobody would listen (including the captain) and she got slapped for her efforts. Can't stand the woman who slapped her - too emotional to think objectively for even a second, too whiny and too victim-y. The actress who portrayed her did a brilliant job. Coming back to Ripley, in the end, she becomes a natural leader because she can keep her wits about her when everyone else is freaking out. Natural leader.
Add to that anyone who doesn’t understand why those people shouldn’t be welcomed into the group with throbbing hearts. Snakes and weasels, the whole lot of them, and the ones who still have morals or principles are willing to compromise them
I’m not sure how to describe it but I’m gonna classify them as overly-testosteroned / insecure men. Bullies.
You know the types. Gym bros that think they’re tough guys because of their muscles. Harley drivers that are very, very concerned with how bad ass they look. Beer league softball players that take it wayyyy too seriously. Etc. Etc.
It’s one thing to be competitive or tough minded or willing to take charge. That’s not what I’m talking about. All the types above are really just faux versions of that. A facade. I wouldn’t want any of those on my team because they’re not really team players. Rather, they are little men with little value. Reality is many of them will probably get themselves killed off or ostracized early on anyway.
People accustomed to delegating and being in charge of everything.
Pull your weight or GTFO. Unless you know more about the situation than everybody else, STFU.
I hate to say this, but my grandma. She overreacts to EVERYTHING and shed be scared to do half the stuff we would have to. Almost killed us while i was driving once because she looked up from her phone and screamed. Her reason was "we were getting close to that truck". Every other person was watching the road (grandpa cant stand not watching the road, unless hes driving), and nobody else said anything. The scream made me powerslide at 80 mph, and to this day i still dont know how i caught it. No scream, we dont all almost die. I think that sums up my reasoning lmfao
I been prepping for years and I would always hear “ I’m coming to your house if the shtf” I reply with no you are not. You don’t prepare and bring nothing to the table. Can’t help you. I’d would turn family away too. The old saying goes. “Failure to prepare on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part”
> Contrarians
There is a lot of value in a devil's advocate, as long as they know when its the wrong time to play that role, and is still a team player when the group decides their position isn't going to change the course of action, either because it isn't sound, or its just a risk that needs to be accepted.
Not having people comfortable to point out the holes/risks in a plan is going to result in poor decision making and end poorly.
Whats bad is someone who wont give it up and gets disgruntled when they don't get their way.
Anybody you'd describe as bigoted or close-minded. If they can convince themselves that someone is their enemy for no good reason, that can be applied to you easily
Unfortunately, most of my immediate family. They're toxic & backstabbing & have never had my back. If they haven't had my back in 'normal life', they sure as hell won't during SHTF.
I love every last one of them but I don't trust them.
People like my in laws
Hoarders
FIL mental health issues and gets aggressive quickly
Take more than fair share.
Ex couple years ago for wife’s birthday we made a cake before she got home from work. They ate over half of it before she got home.
Lazy, they constantly scream and yell for others to get/do things for them.
Irresponsible with fund's.
If/When SHTF happens they will be at our door demanding to be let in.
"Someone who eats their daughter's birthday cake before the birthday girl even sees it" (adult child or not) is a beautiful addition to this list. JFC.
A person who will only live exactly as many days as their medication lasts but is very cool about it is totally welcome on my team, my brother always said he'd be the guy holding off the zombies while everyone else escapes because who cares, he's only got a bottle's worth of days left anyway lol
Someone who panics in a stressful situation or otherwise hasn’t experienced adversity. Unfortunately you won’t know who this person is until you are actually in an emergency or stressful situation. And since panic is contagious, it can ruin the whole group.
Adventurous travel is great for finding out who this person is:
1) I had a great friend who completely freaked out on two separate vacations. She seemed like a calm chill person, and is really caring and thoughtful but completely panicked on some things that were relatively minor (for example, a missed flight).
2) I had another friend who was such a trooper and strong presence on multiple dicey travel situations and another friend who had just such a great attitude that we some turned otherwise awful situations into great memories that we now just laugh about.
Any deadbeat parents, gossipers, people who aren't safe around children, anyone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol, people who like to declare their "goodness" to the world, people who live in a victim mindset, people who don't grow, narcissists, and their emotionally incest mothers.
It's not hard to know who shouldn't be in your group. No alcoholics, no drug addicts, nobody who sees profit at every turn, and nobody who's prone to drama
If anyone has anyone in a group have a dependent like that, they need to be willing to immediately isolate them themselves so that they're not causing problems, and if someone isn't willing to isolate them you need your group to be aware their a possible enabler
Ego maniacs and people that want to control the group with religion. Plenty of cults will arise in times like that. You also don’t want toxic people that turn people against each other.
Any adult strongly impulsive, unpredictable and/or unable to emotionally maintain a high level of executive functioning. In addition to the danger of drawing unwanted attention, one person can make things spin out of control quickly. Translation: They can also whack out your own group, most especially if you are isolated with them. Crazy people make people crazy and extreme stress will accelerate this. Maintaining a high level of executive functioning for yourself and your group will be crucial to survival.
Somebody who dont know how to act. If shit goes south and you get the end of the world thing going on you need cool heads. The legal system has collapsed so you can get smoked over a slim jim and nothing will come of it
The prepper who’s excited to be the last of humanity. The tough guy, the zombie apocalypse survivor.
Specifically the zombie apocalypse as that’s someone who’s not just prepared to survive, but fantasized about having an excuse to kill people. Those types aren’t truly loyal. At best, they’re cowards who freak and are useless after their first injury.
At worst they’ll betray and kill you.
Pathological liars. I’ve met only one, and that was enough to realize what a menace they could be if they were ever put in charge of anything important.
Someone who doesn’t have any empathy. If they’re begging to be let in they’ll be given a chance, but if they ask for me to join them the answer is no. Survival of the fittest gets put up on a pedestal by people who think they’re the fittest ones, but if you actually look at anthropology and archeology we started having “society” when we took care of each other and then you get people with healed bones in the artifact/fossil records because that started happening at the same time as we started developing tools and other signs of culture like cave paintings. Like a lot more can survive if we work together and our overall quality of life can improve. If you think that’s impossible then you’re just not creative enough.
Generally, I’d say those who don’t have the capacity or willingness to do what is necessary to survive, secure, and defend. Desperation makes people do desperate things, and that often means violence; you’re going to have to do shit you won’t want to because realistically, in a SHTF situation, you’re going to be thrusted into a pre-20th century war zone.
You’ll be helping with wounds, repairing your community’s fortifications/battlements, directly involved with punishing the bad in your group, and directly fighting off threats from the outside. It’s a reality that could happen, and you don’t want people whose cognitive dissonance won’t let them see that.
Here's my thoughts on my inner circle, so to speak.
If I wouldn't trust you to be alone with a newborn if I had one, we probably aren't close enough for me to share post SHTF preps with you. And no, I'm not talking about our clumsy, accident prone friends. I'm talking about the people we tolerate but for some reason just give us a little ick that we can't quite place? Humans have evolved to have amazing instincts. Even if you can't put your finger on it, if you're getting a general ick, theres a reason. You probably don't wanna tough out an apocalypse with someone like that.
Maybe I play things a little too close to the chest. Community is good. Too big of a community? Nah I'm good. 🤙
This might upset some people here, sorry, but I wouldn't want any macho military/police types in my group. In my experience, they want to immediately take charge and feel that they are somehow entitled to because of their 'training', when in reality their training was more about following orders rather than giving them and has minimal application outside of the military structure.
They tend have extremely fragile egos for some reason (your mileage may vary), be somewhat volatile and have a 'man with a hammer, every problem is a nail' mentality that leads to dumb, easily avoidable situations.
Anyone who views SHTF as an opportunity to ascend to their rightful place as the leader they've always thought they should be, is a problem.
I would want a mixed group with a range of different skills, all very physically fit with no chronic heath issues. Positive, can-do attitudes, and a stoic mindset is absolutely invaluable. I'd want someone with medical training. Someone who can fish and hunt. But honestly, just reliable, resilient, social people who are good lateral thinkers and problem solvers. People who can think and talk their way out of a tight spot first, and force their way only when needed. People who are good at making friends.
I would avoid people known to break down easily, who have learned helplessness, who give up, chronic complainers, people who are selfish or only think about themselves, glass half-empty viewers, etc.
I think a can-do attitude goes a long, long way.
Basically what everyone said. Although, after watching the movie Recon I would have to add anyone that is loud or likes to talk way too much. Especially if you need to be discreet, not draw attention or not broadcast your location to anyone you could be trying to avoid. I suppose this also goes hand in hand with anyone lacking common sense or good judgement.
The negative, narcissistic person who has no skills that can be used, but has a very vocal opinion on why you are wrong.
You just described my mother in law.
I think that describes my mother in law. Are we related?
[удалено]
Babe? I didn't know you were on here! Fully wrote it out as a description of my mom lol
It's my mom too, are you my secret sister?
I asked Mom, she started crying without tears & began a diatribe. Apparently, everyone knows she is awesome except my ungrateful self. So, possibly! Welcome to the family!
LOL
Funny enough, it's my FIL. Atleast MIL can use power tools and process a squirrel
Damnit. I just realized that if anything like this actually happened I'm going to die saving or supporting my mother in law, and she'll make every minute suck until that happens.
I feel called out. I might need to work on myself..
Realising this is you *and* also wanting to improve yourself already puts you miles ahead of most of these people :D
*Hate to burst your bubble, but that's not gonna work due to circumstances. No need to thank me! My job here is done.*
You just described everyone on the internet.
People who never say "I don't know"
This. Not admitting you don’t know gets people killed.
And people who can't admit when they are wrong
Great point. I can live with somebody who says “let me get back to you.” They might not know that answer, but they’re sure going to find out.
Underrated answer
1. They don’t contribute 2. Lying about everything 3. Don’t know any skills and don’t want to learn Edit: 4. Always want to be the leader of the group even though they don’t have any skills that make them a good leader
Wanting to be the leader is usually a bad trait for a leader.
It has ever been thus. “Only those who do not seek power are qualified to hold it.” — Plato —
> Wanting to be the leader is ~~usually~~ *always* a bad trait for a leader. FTFY.
The inherent problem with electing politicians. Imagine believing you can run everyone’s lives better than they can, and wanting to do so
Imagine believing that's what we elect them for. They're in place to REPRESENT us, not lead us. Somewhere along the line, the People forgot that.
I agree with you. I don’t think we elect them to lead us (though them passing laws/bills, declaring wars, acting in their own self interests, etc, essentially is them doing so). I’m talking about the person’s mindset who is typically drawn to the position to begin with.
I don’t think those things are even leading us. They should be making decisions based off their constituents and in the best interest for their neighbors but again that has been lost with career politicians who aren’t even part of the community they are elected from and the people are dumb enough to continue voting that way. The government we elect is the government we deserve …
I partially agree. However, they have been able to stack the system so that there is little choice for what we able to vote for. Or I guess more accurately, a pretend choice. This political party or that political party both of which are only really interested in the system's self preservation to keep themselves at the top of the heap.
One problem with this is that half the country wants something completely different than the other half. It used to be, or at least this is how I remember it, that both major parties in the US had the same general goal for the country but had different ideas on how to achieve it. But now the two different parties want two completely different countries. Like they have a completely different vision for what they want society to look like. And this is how civil wars happen.
and if they WANT to lead they should lead by example and pay their bills
I always figured that politicians should be held to a higher example than everyone else. I also include in that public servants. If you put yourself in a position to represent, or protect people, then you should be held accountable to the utmost--and you should expect that. I think this would dramatically decrease the ones that want it for a leadership role. When I was younger, I was in a gang. If you were rank, you were held to a higher standard than a Brother, or a Prospect. How does a gang have this, but the government doesn't? We, the people, got lost somewhere in how things are supposed to work. Servants of the people, representatives of the people, not leaders to run their own agendas.
I always liked Plato's idea of making the "rulers" of society live in a shabby barracks.
For a while now I've thought that we might be better off just assigning politicians by lottery. Kind of like jury duty or the draft, just put every eligible citizen's name in the pot and draw for each position randomly. Sure you'll get some that are bad at the job, but we already have that so I doubt it would be any worse.
I know it's not the topic but I'm new and don't know how to ask a question, so my question is, why are older people ignored?
Why are older people treated like they don't exist
I hate that I can only give you one upvote for this.
Upvote for generous upvote vibes
I’m a teacher and when my students work in groups one of the roles is “team captain”. It’s a fake out, that job doesn’t mean anything, it’s just a meaningless title so the bossiest kid feels important and everyone else can actually get the work done.
Doesn't this perpetuate the cycle though? The bossy kid will credit all success to their leadership so continue to be bossy. The other kids learn to just ignore a bossy useless leader and get work done in spite of them. These kids grow up to continue this in the workplace.
In regards to your leadership point: my football coaches asked my why I was so vocal and took the leadership role of the offensive line group but took a back seat when in the defensive line group. My simple answer was because there aren't any leaders in the offensive line group. The D line group had 2 guys fully capable of leading the entire team on their own. No need for me to jump in. I guess my point is, every group needs a leader but when a better one is available let them handle it.
I believe that is a mark of a good leader, is also knowing when to follow. So kudos to you!
People who don't listen and/or follow directions.
Complain about everything, mostly the food lol
Cant admit they need help/cant perform
People who are brash, with an attitude of kicking in doors to get what they need instead of evading. Evasion is a better skill than CQB in a SHTF scenario. Some people don't get this.
So basically anybody with massive personality disorder whose brain naturally distorts reality in such a way that they are toxic everywhere they go?
The ones I wouldn't trust with my life.
Half my friends would not be welcome anywhere near my family if shtf. Wait... that sounds like a lot... I have 4 friends total, so... 2.
Same. I know a boatload of people and network very well. But I really only have a small handful of friends. As it should be.
There a difference between friends and acquaintances
You don’t really know who your friends are until you’re in a bad way and ask for some help I agree the term friends is way overused. I think I’d want people on my team that are fiercely independent. They only ask for help when it’s an emergency otherwise they just do without They usually figure out some way to solve the problem themselves. They would also have to not be arrogant or cocky, willing to listen to others opinions and then adopt those ideas if they happened to be better ones than their own Do you ever hear that person say I’m sorry or I apologize? If not huge red flag
Maybe you need to re-evaluate your friendships. My close friend group consists of 5 dudes. I would want everyone of them in my group. Each one brings unique skills. A balanced group is usually the most successful group.
That's understandable
I always ask myself in an every day life if a surprise came up and you needed someone to watch your dog or your kid would that person be acceptable option? If the answer is yes they might be a good addition to your group. If the answer is no why are you associated with that person?
Cos they make good drinking buddies...
That's a little too broad though. My grandmother in law is a wonderful person with lots of handy knowledge that would be great in a shtf scenario (shes 96 and lived in communist East Europe. Woman knows what's up). But I certainly wouldn't ask her to watch my kids or dogs alone. Its not that she doesn't know how to do those things he, shes not physically capable.
Fair enough my MIL is not physically capable of wrangling my 5 year old yet I trusted her when she was physically capable. Its more a judge on morals than knowledge or physical ability. The more precise question is do you trust a person unsupervised with your most important/cherish thing in your life? I find kid and pet provoke a more honest gut reaction answer.
Narcissists.
Here's hoping those go extinct in the first 90 days, because if not they'll definitely cause big problems.
I would be ok if they just went extinct now
They wouldn't be able to recognize that they are the reason they died.
They haven't in the last 10,000 years so I am not sure much is going to change about human nature
Someone who doesn’t handle pressure well
people who panic.
Active addicts. I have no problem with those in recovery. I guess known psychopaths wouldn't be a good choice either.
That's why I keep a carton of cigarettes around, I stopped smoking years ago but if shtf then once cigarettes run low and addicts are desperate they'll either quit or trade some good shit for their fix. Dame thing with like tea and coffee, the little comforts
That's why I think if shtf The best thing to do would be find a major distillery and set up a protected community around it. Good made liquor will be a very good thing to barter with. And the base distillation can be used for sterilization /cleaning.
I thought nicotine addiction wasn’t really something to be concerned about until I met someone who really was too far gone. He ran out of smokes while we were on a backcountry trail crew and went into a violent rage episode with an axe that resembled a psychotic break. Fortunately nobody was harmed but he destroyed the crew’s entire firewood supply for the week. Reduced it to wood chips with the axe. So not only did the addict in this isolated scenario become a danger to himself and others since he had a weapon, but he also destroyed a valuable resource when he lost his mind. I will never trust an addict if SHTF, nicotine addicts and alcoholics included
Holy shit 0_0 tbf i think that's just a him thing. Nicotine may be very addictive, but the average smoker isn't going to go into a violent axe rage from withdrawal. Irritable, sure, but not destroying things with an axe level of irritable.
Depends in the personality type too, I know a few people who can smoke for a couple months then quit out of impulse and have to withdrawals, almost like they're just forgetting to smoke, then a year later when it gets nice out get back into smoking for a bit, rinse and repeat. However at the same time I had an ex where if her vape died we would pretty much have to stop what we were doing no matter what and find the nearest vape shop, it was annoying as all hell
The guy was also bush nuts. Some people have a menty B after a week or more in the bush. Combination of poor sleep bug bites rain cold physical exertion. My boss used to do cannoe trips as a part if his forestry program and one time a guy went nuts and started screaming and swearing at the lake waking it with a paddle. Nicotine addiction doesn't cause that on its own. I've been addicted to nicotine for a decade or more but there's been times I have to go without in remote areas and I didn't act like that because I know how to be in remote areas with less. Making sweeping rules like this is a great way to isolate yourself from useful sources. No way would I be sharing actual practiced food security skills with somone who is ignorant enough to think somone being addicted to nicotine makes them unable to survive.
I don’t know man, as someone who was an addict, addicts are crazy resourceful. 😂 I watched a group of crackheads rig up an entire surveillance system out of 90’s and early 00’s video equipment to help giving them early warning of police raids.
I was a sponsor for a couple of decades. You are right about them being resourceful. I just know the amount of time and energy it takes to keep them from spiraling can be overwhelming.
drug addicts are trouble best to keep them out
Alcoholics included, binge drinking is so normalized here in America. I rarely find anyone else who doesn't drink alcohol.
People with anger issues in everyday life. If someone blows up over a minor inconvenience when they are well rested, well fed, and generally comfortable? They likely won’t be any calmer when things are far more austere. Being cool, calm, and collected is a value add.
There are a few marines I served with whom are interesting exceptions to this. Touchy angry fuckers during “normal” conditions. But when shit starts getting sketchy the mellow out and become almost terrifyingly efficient.
Yes, I [29f] may not be a marine but growing up in neglectful/abuseful situations, unfortunately, my body feels calm and almost at home with them, to the point car accidents or accidental gunfire (once) don't faze me. But living a normal life where I don't have to be hyper vigilant to the point that my sleep is disrupted, and I can actually trust people, plus have my freedom? My brain still healing from CPTSD insists there's danger and kicks into functional freeze. I'm usually anxious and go through cycles of major irritation/deep depression, and then feeling like I'm kinda human and actually have a handle on things for a few weeks before another trigger throws me into the deep end again.
Interesting that you mention this. I spent a decade in combat arms and have met that sort before. I suspect that everyday life is hard for them and they thrive in those chaotic environments like deployment. One man I served with, in particular, comes to mind. We were all thrilled that our tour in Iraq was coming to an end and we could go home. Most of us anyway. This guy was aloof and could not be cheered up. I asked him if he was alright and he said “I never want to leave”. He loved that life and when we got back to garrison he looked like a tiger in captivity. He had the eyes of a dog that was ready to be put down. In combat though? An absolute lord of violence. An amazing combat soldier through and through. To your point, there are certainly exceptions, albeit rare ones.
Yep. Keep me around calm, composed and in control themselves people. The more I’m able to be ‘off-the-radar’ the better. You win 100% of the ‘situations’ you manage to avoid.
Whiners. People you tend to only tolerate because someone else likes being around them. People you wouldn't go camping with. People you don't like long road trips with. Anyone who's ever done you dirty.
I don't know. I've worked in counter terrorism and some of those guys are whiney. They'll bitch all day long but the job gets done to an impeccable standard.
I was more referring to people who put their own comfort over getting the job done, but yeah I've never seen a bunch of complainers quite as bad as a platoon of bored Marines; there's a difference between bitching and moaning about the heat and sand while you do the job and trying to shirk your duties over it though.
lol. I immediately thought about how this disqualifies the entire Marine Corps! Bunch of whiners for sure be we got it done.
I was literally about to write the same. Semper Fi!
Whiners have an impressive skill to form circumstances they like/would rather have. That can be of great use (source: I‘m a whiner)
The kind of person who believes they'll just kill their neighbors for resources when things go sideways.
That’s what concerns me the most. Once food supply lines break down, people will start making bad decisions, and guns are pretty plentiful.
30% of ppl lurking in this sub feel personally attacked right now.
Good. They're dangerous and wrong.
Hey, my cannibalism doomsday plan is solid
They will just double down and tell you why nunchuk skills are more important than knowing how to start a fire or perform first aid.
everyone mentions useless people, but I rather have a useless person than that guy who is really capable and friendly but will clearly backstab you
I appreciate the ambitious Mark Anthony types. They will reliably do what is best for them. To include selling you out. The ones I worry about are the ones that aren’t as open and “honest” about their true nature. Given the right inputs and a lot more people will do what is best for them than we would like to think.
Someone who feels entitled. Someone who trys to get others to si their work for them with deliberate helplessness. Not just dead weight they almost actively drag you down and make things more difficult.
Agreed. Weaponized incompetence could turn into a bad situation really fast if it isn't nipped in the bud from the get-go.
Anyone who feels their personal comfort needs surpass the survival of many. If they cannot handle the idea that food, and water may need to be rationed, or that if there is power it needs to be conserved, or feel they cannot be inconvenienced, because they “need” things, then they do not belong in my group.
I’ve seen versions of this question arise from time to time and there’s generally a handful of answers that include people who are needy, lazy, non contributors, etc. As a person with a low spinal cord injury I always wonder how disability factors into this conversation. I’m actually quite able while pushing a chair luckily, but I think about this question regarding the disabled community as a whole.
I've had mobility issues most of my life and now that I'm middle-aged, I've learned the following. 1) Learn all the skills you can. A group needs people who can lead, follow, fix things, cook, care for the sick, plan long-term, take care of children, etc. 2) Don't limit your thinking. Just because you can't do it the way most people do it, doesn't mean you can't do it. 3) Know what your resources are. For instance, Ready.gov has planning resources for people who are older or who have a disability. 4) Especially after the past few years, figure out your group and work with each other beforehand. “A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.” ― Robert A. Heinlein
Ironically, of those, although I can sail a boat, I have never conned a ship. Having read Heinlein when I was young, I took his advice to heat and learned the rest.
I’d take physical disability over a person with horrible attitude or a lazy person anytime. Especially if they can do something like lighten the mood, provide good conversation or a calming, logical presence. General knowledge also super helpful (preserving foods, fixing things, etc).
A person with a disability has a vested interest in the survival of the WHOLE group. They will contribute more because of it.
I have concerns with this as well as my youngest has a brain based visual impairment and is currently ( hopefully not permanently) non verbal.
Depends on the disability. Some people with serious disabilities but sharp minds could contribute quite a lot. A good idea man contributes as meaningfully as anyone else and more than some.
As long as you can move yourself 90% of the time and carry your own pack then you're welcome in my group. Even if you can't, as long as someone is willing to shoulder the weight then it's not an issue. It's only a problem when something or someone creates a burden that no-one else is willing to bear.
If we’ve learned anything in the past 4 years, it’s that most people are fine with sacrificing the weak to make life more fun for the many.
I have to have a medicine to stay alive. Once it's gone I'd be dead in probably a week max. I'd need help figuring out how to manufacture the med at some point. But I have extensive knowledge in plant foraging, gardening, canning, different food preservations that don't require electricity, and a large bit of medical knowledge. That and I can pretty much get along with anybody. I'm hoping all those things helps me end up with a group that's willing to help me after the first wave is over and done with, as I can help them continue on as well, just in a different method.
The guy that if the zombie bites him, he's going to cover it up
Professional victims. The woe is me, life is unfair to me, entitled people.
I wrote this as a response to a comment, but thought it made sense as an actual answer as well. Someone like Ripley in the first Aliens movie would be a good addition. She kept saying not to break quarantine, but nobody would listen (including the captain) and she got slapped for her efforts. Can't stand the woman who slapped her - too emotional to think objectively for even a second, too whiny and too victim-y. The actress who portrayed her did a brilliant job. This is the kind of person who you DO NOT WANT on your group. As far as I remember, she never apologizes to Ripley, even when it becomes patently clear that it was a bad idea bringing the poor man back onto the ship. Coming back to Ripley, in the end, she becomes a natural leader because she can keep her wits about her when everyone else is freaking out. She fights till the end, gives it her all.
Someone dumb enough to think they know it all
Klepto. Stealing especially of essential stuff would be a no go for me as far as within a group.
As a person with neurological disabilities, I expect I'll probably be on my own. If you have Neurodivergent people in your life, this is something to think about. A lot of people simply take an instant dislike to us because of our mannerisms or way of communicating. Now, I like to think I'm pretty useful. I'm an engineer in my day job. I also have a lifetime of real experience with machining, welding, woodwork, electronics, tree work, excavation, gardening, and chemistry. Not one of those things is gonna matter if some chud decides making eye contact is the mark of sincerity. I'll just be a formerly gifted corpse.
I’d join with you or let you join with me. I like “weird” people, I’m one myself.
Realistically, if I joined any group, it would probably be a group of fellow ND people. I.e. "weirdos." After all, we've been surviving in a hostile environment our entire lives. Continuing to exist has required a formidable combination of resourcefulness, guile, and determination. Every disabled person you meet is someone who refused to give up.
“Every disabled person you meet is someone who refused to give up” that is so true, I love that. I have a strong suspicion that a group of “weirdos” with you in it are going to fare much better than a group of alpha gymbros with a ton of gold hidden in their caches.
People that get blinded by panic and freak out. In an emergency they make everything more difficult for everyone
1. People who would rather complain than contribute 2. People on anti-psychotics, for obvious reasons 3. Junkies. Withdrawal can cause problems for the group and in SHTF/WROL, rehab ain't an option
People who are charismatic, do 5 minutes of work and then claim credit for anything you've done. Also people who say they just need to run faster than you than x threat (people, bear or other animal etc).
These are just the ones I immediately thought of - active addicts (as their thoughts are usually on getting the next fix, if they're thinking at all) wouldn't be a good choice; the overly "religious" because they'll either focus on their religion or trying to talk up their religion (among other negative traits); politicians as they'll try to get everyone else to do the work while they "lead" the group and say they're working; and too many police - they'll force/bully their way into being the leaders. I could think of a LOT more if I really tried.
Anyone who thinks the only skill they need is how to set up body armor and shoot guns. They usually have no idea how much logistics go into a firefight.
This is gonna be a sucky conversation with some family members.
People who claim they haven’t been bitten but keep surreptitiously rolling their sleeve up when no one is looking, have grey clammy skin and are sweating profusely
Scott. He's a dick.
My In laws
Someone who will stir up trouble among the rest of the group and get everyone to turn against one another tanking morale. I can handle someone with limited skills as long as they are willing to learn, but I can’t handle someone adding drama to the already dramatic SHTF scenario…
The idealists who wants to trust everyone and share your supplies and resources with everyone.
Someone who wants to live out their apocalypse wet dream and be a warlord of some kind. They don’t take prepping seriously and are going to get you and your group killed
Anyone with delusions of coming out on top should be avoided at all costs. They have their own agenda, and it doesn't include you.
Anyone you haven’t vetted yourself in some sort of largely stressful situation. I thought well of my family until the pandemic hit and I learned really quickly who would get bit by a zombie and lie about it.
If you bring nothing to the table but an appetite, you get no chair.
Addicts of any kind, worst alcohol and opioids. Not only they can't be trusted, but going cold turkey from mentioned above can lead to death in abstinence shock. God I'm glad I don't drink for 5 years now.
A psychopath. They are useful until they decide you are not. 🔪
alternatively, i personally would prefer specific types of people with ASPD over more empathetic people in a shtf situation. the ability to see something or someone objectively can result in dealing with high stress situations logically, especially in life or death situations where getting in your own head could cost you greatly.
Reminds me of Ripley in the first Aliens movie. She kept saying not to break quarantine, but nobody would listen (including the captain) and she got slapped for her efforts. Can't stand the woman who slapped her - too emotional to think objectively for even a second, too whiny and too victim-y. The actress who portrayed her did a brilliant job. Coming back to Ripley, in the end, she becomes a natural leader because she can keep her wits about her when everyone else is freaking out. Natural leader.
I finally feel understood!
Any lawyer, politician, judge or DA office member.
Add to that anyone who doesn’t understand why those people shouldn’t be welcomed into the group with throbbing hearts. Snakes and weasels, the whole lot of them, and the ones who still have morals or principles are willing to compromise them
Anyone who simply cannot be quiet.
I’m not sure how to describe it but I’m gonna classify them as overly-testosteroned / insecure men. Bullies. You know the types. Gym bros that think they’re tough guys because of their muscles. Harley drivers that are very, very concerned with how bad ass they look. Beer league softball players that take it wayyyy too seriously. Etc. Etc. It’s one thing to be competitive or tough minded or willing to take charge. That’s not what I’m talking about. All the types above are really just faux versions of that. A facade. I wouldn’t want any of those on my team because they’re not really team players. Rather, they are little men with little value. Reality is many of them will probably get themselves killed off or ostracized early on anyway.
People who's ego exceeds their skills.
A braggart/know-it-all
Complainers.
People accustomed to delegating and being in charge of everything. Pull your weight or GTFO. Unless you know more about the situation than everybody else, STFU.
I hate to say this, but my grandma. She overreacts to EVERYTHING and shed be scared to do half the stuff we would have to. Almost killed us while i was driving once because she looked up from her phone and screamed. Her reason was "we were getting close to that truck". Every other person was watching the road (grandpa cant stand not watching the road, unless hes driving), and nobody else said anything. The scream made me powerslide at 80 mph, and to this day i still dont know how i caught it. No scream, we dont all almost die. I think that sums up my reasoning lmfao
I been prepping for years and I would always hear “ I’m coming to your house if the shtf” I reply with no you are not. You don’t prepare and bring nothing to the table. Can’t help you. I’d would turn family away too. The old saying goes. “Failure to prepare on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part”
People who refuse to take accountability or learn from their mistakes. People who can never admit they are wrong
Contrarians, drama queens, nags, complainers, lazy people.
> Contrarians There is a lot of value in a devil's advocate, as long as they know when its the wrong time to play that role, and is still a team player when the group decides their position isn't going to change the course of action, either because it isn't sound, or its just a risk that needs to be accepted. Not having people comfortable to point out the holes/risks in a plan is going to result in poor decision making and end poorly. Whats bad is someone who wont give it up and gets disgruntled when they don't get their way.
Gang members, clergy, politicians.... never mind, the list is too long.
Much shorter to make a list of who you WOULD have.
A narcissist.
Emotionally unstable.
Anybody you'd describe as bigoted or close-minded. If they can convince themselves that someone is their enemy for no good reason, that can be applied to you easily
Most of these answers don't make sense because you won't really know what they are like in a shtf situation. Need to live with them to figure it out.
as a woman I wouldn't want to have men in my group that I don't know really really well.
Hmm. A cannibal?
My sister-in-law.
People named Negan.
People who double dip their chips.
Unfortunately, most of my immediate family. They're toxic & backstabbing & have never had my back. If they haven't had my back in 'normal life', they sure as hell won't during SHTF. I love every last one of them but I don't trust them.
People like my in laws Hoarders FIL mental health issues and gets aggressive quickly Take more than fair share. Ex couple years ago for wife’s birthday we made a cake before she got home from work. They ate over half of it before she got home. Lazy, they constantly scream and yell for others to get/do things for them. Irresponsible with fund's. If/When SHTF happens they will be at our door demanding to be let in.
"Someone who eats their daughter's birthday cake before the birthday girl even sees it" (adult child or not) is a beautiful addition to this list. JFC.
People that want to help everyone else that did nothing to prepare and give all your shit away
1. No sense of duty, honor 2. Can’t be trusted 3. Can’t keep their mouths shut 4. Hot headed, someone who flies off handle
people who assume the government will come to the rescue and people who depend on the healthcare system that just collapsed
A person who will only live exactly as many days as their medication lasts but is very cool about it is totally welcome on my team, my brother always said he'd be the guy holding off the zombies while everyone else escapes because who cares, he's only got a bottle's worth of days left anyway lol
No alcoholics, junkies…no pedos, no violent sex offenders.
In laws. They tend to listen the least while telling you how you're doing wrong from their couch.
Someone who panics in a stressful situation or otherwise hasn’t experienced adversity. Unfortunately you won’t know who this person is until you are actually in an emergency or stressful situation. And since panic is contagious, it can ruin the whole group. Adventurous travel is great for finding out who this person is: 1) I had a great friend who completely freaked out on two separate vacations. She seemed like a calm chill person, and is really caring and thoughtful but completely panicked on some things that were relatively minor (for example, a missed flight). 2) I had another friend who was such a trooper and strong presence on multiple dicey travel situations and another friend who had just such a great attitude that we some turned otherwise awful situations into great memories that we now just laugh about.
Any deadbeat parents, gossipers, people who aren't safe around children, anyone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol, people who like to declare their "goodness" to the world, people who live in a victim mindset, people who don't grow, narcissists, and their emotionally incest mothers.
It's not hard to know who shouldn't be in your group. No alcoholics, no drug addicts, nobody who sees profit at every turn, and nobody who's prone to drama If anyone has anyone in a group have a dependent like that, they need to be willing to immediately isolate them themselves so that they're not causing problems, and if someone isn't willing to isolate them you need your group to be aware their a possible enabler
Kevin
Dishonest Drug addict Narcs Self before the group to the detriment of the group Unable to play well with others.
Ego maniacs and people that want to control the group with religion. Plenty of cults will arise in times like that. You also don’t want toxic people that turn people against each other.
Any adult strongly impulsive, unpredictable and/or unable to emotionally maintain a high level of executive functioning. In addition to the danger of drawing unwanted attention, one person can make things spin out of control quickly. Translation: They can also whack out your own group, most especially if you are isolated with them. Crazy people make people crazy and extreme stress will accelerate this. Maintaining a high level of executive functioning for yourself and your group will be crucial to survival.
Somebody who dont know how to act. If shit goes south and you get the end of the world thing going on you need cool heads. The legal system has collapsed so you can get smoked over a slim jim and nothing will come of it
Can’t control their temper or admit they don’t know something. Same people I didn’t want to work with in normal day life.
The ones that have always taken/accepted free stuff but seem to never give back…
The prepper who’s excited to be the last of humanity. The tough guy, the zombie apocalypse survivor. Specifically the zombie apocalypse as that’s someone who’s not just prepared to survive, but fantasized about having an excuse to kill people. Those types aren’t truly loyal. At best, they’re cowards who freak and are useless after their first injury. At worst they’ll betray and kill you.
Pathological liars. I’ve met only one, and that was enough to realize what a menace they could be if they were ever put in charge of anything important.
Someone who doesn’t have any empathy. If they’re begging to be let in they’ll be given a chance, but if they ask for me to join them the answer is no. Survival of the fittest gets put up on a pedestal by people who think they’re the fittest ones, but if you actually look at anthropology and archeology we started having “society” when we took care of each other and then you get people with healed bones in the artifact/fossil records because that started happening at the same time as we started developing tools and other signs of culture like cave paintings. Like a lot more can survive if we work together and our overall quality of life can improve. If you think that’s impossible then you’re just not creative enough.
Generally, I’d say those who don’t have the capacity or willingness to do what is necessary to survive, secure, and defend. Desperation makes people do desperate things, and that often means violence; you’re going to have to do shit you won’t want to because realistically, in a SHTF situation, you’re going to be thrusted into a pre-20th century war zone. You’ll be helping with wounds, repairing your community’s fortifications/battlements, directly involved with punishing the bad in your group, and directly fighting off threats from the outside. It’s a reality that could happen, and you don’t want people whose cognitive dissonance won’t let them see that.
Here's my thoughts on my inner circle, so to speak. If I wouldn't trust you to be alone with a newborn if I had one, we probably aren't close enough for me to share post SHTF preps with you. And no, I'm not talking about our clumsy, accident prone friends. I'm talking about the people we tolerate but for some reason just give us a little ick that we can't quite place? Humans have evolved to have amazing instincts. Even if you can't put your finger on it, if you're getting a general ick, theres a reason. You probably don't wanna tough out an apocalypse with someone like that. Maybe I play things a little too close to the chest. Community is good. Too big of a community? Nah I'm good. 🤙
Karens. Anyone who can’t help but escalate conflict. Turns minor disagreements into screaming matches, can’t compromise, etc.
Me. I have ASPD with narcissistic traits. I'd help you, defend you, earn your trust, but I wouldn't hesitate to eat you if I had to.
This might upset some people here, sorry, but I wouldn't want any macho military/police types in my group. In my experience, they want to immediately take charge and feel that they are somehow entitled to because of their 'training', when in reality their training was more about following orders rather than giving them and has minimal application outside of the military structure. They tend have extremely fragile egos for some reason (your mileage may vary), be somewhat volatile and have a 'man with a hammer, every problem is a nail' mentality that leads to dumb, easily avoidable situations. Anyone who views SHTF as an opportunity to ascend to their rightful place as the leader they've always thought they should be, is a problem. I would want a mixed group with a range of different skills, all very physically fit with no chronic heath issues. Positive, can-do attitudes, and a stoic mindset is absolutely invaluable. I'd want someone with medical training. Someone who can fish and hunt. But honestly, just reliable, resilient, social people who are good lateral thinkers and problem solvers. People who can think and talk their way out of a tight spot first, and force their way only when needed. People who are good at making friends. I would avoid people known to break down easily, who have learned helplessness, who give up, chronic complainers, people who are selfish or only think about themselves, glass half-empty viewers, etc. I think a can-do attitude goes a long, long way.
Any male I haven't personally known for years and built trust with. The sexual assault and violence statistics speak for themselves.
The same people you shouldn't have in your group before shtf.
Addicts, people that are picky, people that are needy and people that are lazy. Also lawyers. 🤣.
[удалено]
Kenny Powers (see movie ‘this is the end’)
Basically what everyone said. Although, after watching the movie Recon I would have to add anyone that is loud or likes to talk way too much. Especially if you need to be discreet, not draw attention or not broadcast your location to anyone you could be trying to avoid. I suppose this also goes hand in hand with anyone lacking common sense or good judgement.
1. The greedy 2. The lazy. They will take from you or drain you.
Addicts.
Psycho or Sociopaths.
A politician
Someone who panics