I talk about prepping, and survivalism topics, after I talk about other things and get a feel for the person I am talking with. What I rarely ever do is specifically talk about what I am doing, or have done in this regard.
It is problematic, this distrust of others in our fragmented culture. In the short term one rarely needs others if one is prepared, but in a long term situation, being part of a prepared group will be absolutely necessary for survival, for many reasons.
Man survives as part of a group in the long term. History spells that out unequivocally. Trying to make it alone is slow suicide, and lonely, not to mention that one will become real strange psychologically, after a few years.
It is a dilemma, the need to form, or become part of a group of like minded people, in the midst of massive distrust of others based upon real world pragmatism. It seems to me that lying and backstabbing is second nature to many, as long as they get what they want. I trust very few, know many people, but have very few friends, and I see this as logical and necessary ….. even so, the state of my fellow man causes me much anxiety.