like, just go out and smile at someone in line in the coffee shop. that's it. be friendly. if you think of a [and i can't believe i have to say this but it's the internet and 2026 so: non-creepy] compliment, give it to someone. that's it. not as a prelude to flirting, not just to the opposite sex (or whatever you're attracted to), just to compliment them. brighten their day. something as simple as "yo, i like your shoes." there are days you will need it, so pay it forward.

that is step one in building a community.

And then when somebody does buy a gun and start shooting, it's gotta be fake somehow

To be fair, buying guns are an important part of building a community.

I hypothesize that a firearms community would be as good as any to Trojan horse mutual aid networks.

Whenever someone starts on a rant about a rugged individualism fantasy... they'll buy guns... build a bunker... fuck it, whatever... I'm always like

"Yeah that's a great idea. Let's get a group of us and do that. Find some land, dig in a bunker. I have a buddy with a backhoe. Let's do that but build it for 14 people"

Every time it just unravels as a fantasy rather than a genuine plan or genuine desire. But if it ever hits I'd be delighted to grow a rugged individuals co-op.