I am not sure why what I said seemed to raise the ire of some here, yet when others mention their friends (or family) being negative toward their riding, I didn't feel the same vibe. Frankly, when people who are supposedly my friends do this, it hurts my feelings. I listen to them talk about their dogs, tennis, downhill skiing, jobs that seem boring to me, etc. That's part of being a friend. I guess I'm at the point in my life when I want to surround myself with like minded people, but I am too nice to cut the others out of my life at this point. My only concern is that I could really spend ALL of my time engaged in the activities I love, or with my DH, or our cycling friends. I know this is probably not healthy, so I try to continue my other connections. But, I admit, it's hard for me to be around people who live unhealthy lifestyles. I say nothing, though, and just go on.
Thankfully, my family is very supportive. My dad will tell me I am "crazy," but he does it in a kidding way. My mom, when she was alive, always encouraged me in this stuff. She was athletic at a time when women weren't supposed to be. And it was my son, who got me into cycling.