Talk of the town

Whoa citizens of Whitefish-let ME explain.

It's been over a month since I wrote the column on dating that, little did I know, would get the whole town talking.

I've been asked to write a response, a rebuttal of sorts, by a number of men and women in town.

My opinions on separating the men from the boys around here has stirred up some heat to say the least, much to my surprise.

I have to admit, I'm a bit tagged and bugged, and to tell you the truth it's made me a bit paranoid.

From most women I've heard, 'you go girl' or 'wow, you're a brave woman to do something like that'. I've also heard, 'I have a date tomorrow thanks to your column', or 'you hit the nail right on the head.'

The best comment from one local woman was, "Well Lindsey, at least you know they can read and write," in reference to the many letters to the editor we received and the talk the column has generated around town.

And, by the way, I would like to take the opportunity to thank Eric Young and Ryan Friel for their well thought out and well written letters. I saw many of their points and think they saw a few of mine as well.

From a few men, I've heard nothing but whispers, contempt and full-on scorn (once even publicly).

They seem to think I'm a bitter and angry woman - those who know me know I'm neither.

From what I've heard on the street, I have actually recieved honorable mention at the weekly Frabert awards at the Bierstube. The Frabert award is bestowed on some lucky employee or visitor who "commits the biggest goof-up." I wasn't actually there to see it go down, but this is what happenend.

One day, not long after the column was published, after skiing with a co-worker and his wife, we stopped into the 'Stube. It was a like a classic western film - the place went dead silent. Luckily I was surrounded by friends, but I felt about the most uncomfortble I've ever felt in my life. I heard men whispering and one of the bartenders asked me if I was staying around for Frabert… at that point I finished my beer and headed home, fearing for my life.

Other feedback from men that know me has been mixed; some think it was solely written with them in mind, some think I was right on, and some (and this was kind of my point) can admit to some of their idiosyncrasies and commitment problems.

I was not trying to hurt anyone in particular or single anyone out, unlike some people have done to me since.

The men and women that know me, or that have ever looked at a Whitefish Pilot, know that I love the outdoors, snowboarding, and drinking a beer here and there, just as much as anyone else who lives in Whitefish.

The men and women that know me, know that I am a very sensitive person - just a little upset at mine and my girlfriend's current circumstances and experiences with boys in this town.

Yes, I know I generalized a bit. I do know that there are some amazing men out there, wow, and guess what? Even in Whitefish.

I sincerely apologize to those of you who took it sooo personally, that you took the blame for all the differences between men and women on this planet and those who are scared to death of the power of a woman.

Please know that I don't regret a thing that I said, because the aftermath of it all has nearly solidfied my point even more.

Oh, and by the way, for those of you assuming that I wrote the original article just to win a date or two utilizing my journalistic power and access to over 4250 Pilot subscribers - think again!

In fact, I really would like nothing more right now than to hang out with my friends, snowboard, cross-country ski, take photos, and go on with my life without all the whispers and talk behind my back.

And maybe some day soon, I'll stir up the pot again in Whitefish… maybe. We'll see how much I value my sanity.

Lindsey Nelson is the photographer at the Whitefish Pilot.