Where Does the Fear Come From?

I overheard part of a conversation today. Two complete strangers, who had construction work in common, struck up a friendly conversation in a packed McDonald's. Here is what they said:

Big Tough Guy #1
Where you from?

Big Tough Guy #2
Just moved in from Mountain Grove; tiny little town down south. Nothing to do there.

Big Tough Guy #1
I'd love to move as far out in the country as possible. I hate people. (scowling) Hate 'em. Hate 'em all. (scowling so intensely that the hair in his nose started to tremble).

Big Tough Guy #2
Me too. . . .You probably hate yourself too. (chuckle)

Big Tough Guy #1
Yep, I do! (They have a slap-you-on-the-back laughfest, while I try to pretend I'm not listening by looking at a newspaper.)

Why do Big Tough Guys insist on declaring they are extreme isolationists? Clearly these two enjoy people enough to make a friend out of a complete stranger. I've heard this "I hate people" routine for years, and I just don't get it. People are tough sometimes, but most of the time they're anywhere from good to great. Where does the fear come from? Maybe they have an "I'll hate them before they hate me" attitude.