Did I do wrong?

I find myself having to do the same thing quite often...and usually met with the same kind of response. But they usually do tone it down.
 
I find myself having to do the same thing quite often...and usually met with the same kind of response. But they usually do tone it down.

You can certainly do it, but you have to be very diplomatic. If you do it just because you think you can get away with it or you have a bunch of friends in back of you.

Ask every guy who was met with baseball bat or worse in a parking lot a night or two later how that worked out. These situations usually involve drinking as well.
 
There is no harm in asking the person who is being offensive to tone it down. I've been in the OP's shoe's and I've also been asked to keep it down. I think most reasonable people will realize they're being rude, and will keep it down. If they don't, you bring it up with the proprietor. At the end of the day, it's just language, so I don't see the big deal. The parents should have expected that when they brought their kids to a pool hall, bar etc...
 
Harold Smith is a good man, in my opinion.

I completely agree with this


I agree with you on most issues and totally respect your opinion. When it comes to certain things, however, like protecting children, your family, your property, I disagree. I want to live a courageous life. If that means taking risks, so be it. Some things are worth the risk.

I also agree with this. Part of being a husband and a father is protecting and looking out for the best interests of your family. Since it is not my job to tell people how they should behave, I probably would have walked over and made a little small talk with these guys then pointed that there were children present and let them decide how they should behave. If they watched their language or moved so they could not be heard and seemed halfway understanding send them a couple beers or something for reacting appropriately, everyday it seems like you see less and less decency. It costs you a couple of bucks but it is no big deal, whats the worst that can happen? Maybe you just found a couple of guys who are a little rough around the edges but are fun to shoot pool with in the future.
 
I'll admit when I'm out with friends and we are shooting around we probably don't talk the best but the first time any of us see a kid or someone asks us to tone it down that's exactly what happens. We aren't out to offend anyone. I think if the op politely asked the guy to tone it down it shows the type of person the other guy is if he responded like a jackass.

I respect the op for talking to the guy but I agree in todays world I would have talked to the person at the bar because people are nuts these days. Before the worst that was going to happen is you were going to step outside hit each other a few times and it's done. Now people want to pull out guns or knives if you look at them wrong.
 
I would have insisted that he shut the hell up.
In my pool hall we have plenty of guys who would back my play, from the manager on down.

That is the mark of a well run room, when the owner will make sure people behave and is not afraid to toss out someone making a scene for fear of losing a few dollars.

Well done by the OP to say something. Sometimes the regulars in our rooms have to help out the owners/workers to keep things well run, we should all watch out for these types of people and keep them in line. Sitting on tables, crowding around a table with a match, putting drinks on the table, shooting with one hand while you have a full martini in the other, the players that want to consider the pool room as "their" home room should take the initiative to help police those things.
 
The was a douche bag. He has no respect for anyone.

Cussing was not allowed when I was coming up even dam was way out of line. Heck I think I told my sister she was going to hell one time and my mom hit me with the broom. I believe you can get your point across to anyone with out cussing you just have to be creative and have a little education.
 
I think the OP performed a civil duty. Pool halls, if they're public, typically don't condone loud use of inappropriate language. You can get thrown out of a brothel or strip club if you're belligerent enough. And if a man cannot have a civil conversation with another man without one getting all bent out of shape and wanting to escalate to violence...what they hell kind of society do we have anyway?

I agree that getting management or whatever to escalate if necessary rather than take it upon oneself. That's just smart for many reasons...including legal ones.

That being said...the possibility that someone is a psycho is NO REASON to let them control the world because of fear of what they might do. It's just a good idea to choose your battles wisely.
 
Personally I don't think swearing around kids is a big deal at all. Now if its super
loud infringing on your years then that is different.
If you spoke up cause of the kids, I would say its none of your business.
If you spoke up because it bothered you, then you have the right to say
something. Your the only one who knows.
Either way you can speak your mind but also keep in mind, that the
response you may receive could be a lot different than what you had in mind.
 
You should have told him, "that you understand it's not a church....and it's not a dentist's office either, but it doesn't change the fact that if he doesn't quit popping off in ear shot of the kids, he's going to be picking up his teeth just the same."
 
Perhaps you should have approached the parents of the children and warned them. In this way it was upon the parents to decide what was in the best interest of their children.
 
You should have told him, "that you understand it's not a church....and it's not a dentist's office either, but it doesn't change the fact that if he doesn't quit popping off in ear shot of the kids, he's going to be picking up his teeth just the same."
Are you saying that some guy using some foul language that by the way most all of us use from time to time. And, no one said it was even loud or bothering anyone.

You are ready to escalate this to what may be a life and death confrontation depending on who you are dealing with? What fantasy world do you live in?

Turn off the TV and stop fantasizing about Steven Seagal movies. Better come back to the real world.
 
And all the while, the two kids were talking quietly....

Kid 1: Boy, I wish that loudmouth fat bastard would STFU so I could do my math.

Kid 2: Yeah, I know what you mean. Not only is he a fat SOB, he can't play pool worth a FVCK either.

:)
 
Are you saying that some guy using some foul language that by the way most all of us use from time to time. And, no one said it was even loud or bothering anyone.

You are ready to escalate this to what may be a life and death confrontation depending on who you are dealing with? What fantasy world do you live in?

Turn off the TV and stop fantasizing about Steven Seagal movies. Better come back to the real world.

I was kidding, but appreciate all of the unsolicited advice
 
I was kidding, but appreciate all of the unsolicited advice

I have been known to use foul language especially when drinking and around friends. If I saw the kids I would definitely tone it down but if I didn't see them I would appreciate someone letting me know they were around.

I would thank them and definitely try and refrain from swearing. I think in most things it is how you approach the person. If you act respectful and ask them nicely you normally will get the result you are looking for.
 
Here is what happened and need to know your thoughts. Yesterday was playing one pocket with some friends and this family comes in with 2 kids, I'd say 5 and 7 years old. They sit them down at a serving table and the kids start doing homework. There was a guy talking to a girl close by and every other word out of his mouth was f this and mf that, I walk over to inform him of the 2 kids and that he might want to watch his language, he told me hey this is a poolhall not a church and they came here. What is ya'll thoughts on this matter.--Smitty

You did wrong. Right there is where you punch him on the mouth or at least tell the owner what's going on.
 
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