Where (Almost) Everyone Knows Your Name

I wrote a little over a year ago about being “Back at the Bar” when the first round of Covid restrictions was lifted, and since then I’ve been doing my best to frequent local establishments that I am comfortable with. Gone – I hope for good – are the social distancing rules for bar seats and tables, meaning we can have actual conversations with fellow patrons while enjoying a beverage and maybe some food. That’s what makes it so fun to sit at the bar; seeing people you know and meeting new people.

On a recent late Saturday afternoon we returned to one of our favorite local bars; only the second time we’ve been there since Covid as it is a historic basement bar and we’re still partial to more open rooms. Patrons were spread out around the bar with one seat here and there but plenty of 2-seats if someone slid over 1 spot. Luckily 2 women volunteered to make room for my wife and me (something we do all the time; it’s just good bar etiquette). Unfortunately, due to a very loud table behind us we were soon scouting 2 seats about to open on the other side of the bar and quickly grabbed them – thanking the women and assuring them is was not them that caused us to move.

As we were getting settled into our new seats, a bartender we had not seen since the Before Time started her shift and came over to say hi – and get us another round. It was great to see a familiar face and to have that face recognize us. We all marveled at how quickly those 2 years flew by. A few minutes later 2 women we know from the place but also had not seen in 2 years came in and grabbed the seats next to us. We quickly caught up and found out they were out celebrating one’s birthday and retirement.

One of the women whom we had been sitting next to across the bar heard them mention the dual celebration and, bingo, we had the beginning of a fun bar conversation. She was a beer fan and asked about the one I was drinking. We had a good time talking beer for a while – with me giving a plug for our local brewery - https://www.ashtonbrewing.com/ - since they were from nearby. To thank the ladies for making room for us and to celebrate with the ladies next us, as the conversation continued, we bought each a round. Here’s to re-connecting and making new friends. We had a great time and were very glad we decided on that place for drinks and an early dinner.

Just like last year’s “Back at the Bar” post, the message here is to get back out there and interact with people again – within your comfort level of course. Make a point to re-connect with the places and people you enjoy, and be bold, meet new people along the way. It’ll do your mind and soul a lot of good.

www.RetiredandInspiredat55.com 7-05-2022