Pub Talk

 

By Frank Filocomo

Be intentional about disrupting isolation.

I was at the local pub with a friend this past weekend. To the right of me was someone I've never seen before, a stocky gentleman with a Guinness in his right hand. 

He told me he was from Portland, a city known for two things: "Antifa and Sasquatch." His words, not mine. He was an eccentric lad, to be sure. But I appreciated the conversation. 

Next to him was a young guy - 24, I think - who told us that he'd soon be enrolling in the Army. 

The four of us had a shot of Captain Morgan. We laughed and regaled each other with stories all night.

More often than not, bar-goers, instead of starting conversation with the patron right next to them, will reflexively turn to their smart phones. I see this all the time. 

But, what do you have to lose by starting up some casual conversation? If they express disinterest, leave them alone. The least you can do is try.

Addendum: I recently wrote my first piece for RealClear Books & Culture, "How In-Person Events Can Help Us Fight Loneliness." You can read it here.