Quote Originally Posted by The Korean View Post
I buy 80% of my sticks from online. The other 20% I split between two B&Ms. One has horrible prices on just about anything, but has the best enviroment in my town. I feel the need to spend some money there to justify my usage of the lounge. The other place has better prices and is a smaller mom&pop. My hopes in spending a little bit of money there is to get establish a relationship with the owner and some of the patrons. Everyone seems nice, but I can tell that they are very protected in who they allow into the "Circle". I admit, the fact that they seem close but guarded actuallys draws me to want to become one of them more. That truely sounds like high school, but one of the things I like the most about smoking cigars is the people you smoke them with.

I also, look at it this way, both of these shops are against some big competition, and I want to always be able to on a whim stop by and pick up a smoke, so I do my little part.
I hung out at my shop about six months before I became a "core" group member. I sat around, minded my mouth, didn't piss anyone off, made it clear I was here to stay, smoked my cigars, and was as friendly as I could be.

After about six months, I got christened (as part of the CCC, that has special significance for me) with my own nickname and my own coaster made from a cigar box lid with my nickname on it adonred with various affectations from the group. By now, four years later, I have been called a "hardcore core group member" (never called myself that but others have). So it just takes time for guys to figure out if you're gonna be a fit for the group and you're not a weenie and you can take it as well as you give it.

Best of luck to you in your quest to join the group!