That's a really interesting question... I concealed carry almost every day. I have a license, etc., so it is legal. However, I also know that the presence of a gun is a problem for some people. So, for example, I talked to my massage therapist about it. Told her I carry. Asked about her opinion. And we came to an agreement. She is creating a safe space for me to be naked and vulnerable in, and I want to respect that, and not harm it in any way. Now... if I was going on a first date with someone, I need to consider some things: Option 1: Do I tell them about it so we are completely up front and honest about this? Starting off on the right foot? Option 2: Do I not tell the person, since this is just a first date, and we don't really know where this is going yet. If I take Option 1, then I risk alienating the other person immediately. Or, possibly start off a new relationship on a really strong foundation of trust and honesty. If I take Option 2, and the date goes well, and there is another date... do I tell her then? After the 5th date? What if it gets down to heavy petting and she stumbles across it? What if I wait until I "feel something for her", and tell her then... and she's completely turned off? Then we both get hurt. ======== Obviously, this depends a lot on how the conversation comes up. "Don't worry about a thing, little lady. I can protect us." (Pulls back coat to reveal concealed weapon.) versus "I think it is important to be up front and honest with you, so I'd like you to know that I regularly carry a concealed weapon. How do you feel about that?" ... are very different conversations.
Further question: do you conceal carry when you know you will be drinking? Research indicates to me that’s pretty heavily frowned upon to illegal in almost every state. Dude had 5 beers in 2 hours, which like isn’t crazy... but you’re carrying a gun. I say tell the person, because if they have a problem with you carrying, are you going to stop carrying because you’re dating them? If it’s a dealbreaker, and you really do conceal carry everywhere and this isn’t something you’d want to stop doing, then you should communicate up front because it sounds like it’d be a dealbreaker for you to stop just as much as it would be for them to date someone who’s typically packing. I completely agree that how you communicate this information to someone is as important and impactful to how a person’s going to receive it, as just the fact that you communicate it.
Oh, right! I forgot that this included drinking, too. Then no. I wouldn't carry. If I am carrying a gun or riding my motorcycle I don't drink. At all. It's easier to be absolutist about it, than to operate dangerous machinery in an altered state. Possibly. I don't carry a gun every single day. Some days I am not up to the responsibility of carrying a lethal weapon, and therefore don't. It stays locked up at home. If I were in a relationship with someone who was against CC, then I would have another factor to consider before carrying it every day. There have been months where I haven't carried it. I was too angry, too frustrated, too worked up about the political climate... whatever. I just decided that I didn't need to carry one day. Then the next day. Then the day after. Etc. I have many friends who have died at the hands of a crazy guy with a gun. That's why I started carrying: self defense. However, if you are honest with yourself, a Good Guy With A Gun Stops A Bad Guy With A Gun is a trope, and is not supported by the numbers. Not by a long shot. (Heh.) But there is something in the back of my brain that worries I can't protect my loved ones in the event of a loony with a gun, unless I am carrying a gun as well. So I carry. Sometimes. Most the time. Often. Not as much as I used to... ...are you going to stop carrying because you’re dating them?