How to Keep Socializing as a Bar Regular in Perspective

You go to a particular bar so much that you're practically on a first-name basis with the staff and clientele. Congratulations on becoming a "regular," someone so at home in a place that you might as well be sitting in your own living room. While this may feel nice, there is some downside to that reputation you should want to avoid.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Visit your favorite bar only two or three times a week. If you sit in the bar night after night, you'll inevitably develop a "bar mentality."
   Everything you do will somehow find its way to either begin or end with a visit to that bar. You may have a limited life outside of it.

2. 
    

   If you have trouble controlling how much you drink at your favorite bar, ask the bartender to always alternate a glass of water or club soda with every beer or cocktail you imbibe. Tip the bartender well and he won't forget these instructions. When you shouldn't drink more but want to stay, discreetly pour some of your drink in the bathroom sink or into the toilet. Carry a half-empty glass around with you but refrain from drinking from it. Better still, cut yourself off and go home.

3. 
    

   When someone offers to buy you a drink and you've met your limit, politely let them know you've had enough. Pushing a drink on others is a dead-giveaway that someone has a drinking problem a sign that someone can't stand to drink alone.

4. 
    

   Present a casual, friendly side to yourself, but keep your private side private. If you bring your personal life to the bar, it's bound to become public knowledge. It doesn't matter who you talk to. Anything you share with others when you have a glass of alcohol in your hand is destined to make the front page of the "Bar Gazette."

5. 
    

   Steer clear of gossip mongers when you're out having a few drinks. Bar friends who freely gossip to you about others will also gossip about you behind your back. The more they say "trust me", the more you shouldn't. Keep your business to yourself.

6. 
    

   Watch what you say and to whom you say it. Some of the most innocent comments are blown out of proportion while under the influence of alcohol. You especially want to be careful in a place you often frequent.

7. 
    

   Hand over the keys to the car to be bartender or manager as soon as you realize you've had too much to drink. Charges could come back on the bar should you get into an auto accident involving a DUI. Besides, it's just plain good sense.

Tips & Warnings

• Pay your tab nightly. It's a good way to ensure that you don't abuse your budget.
• Don't get involved in barroom arguments and conflicts. The less you engage yourself in these dramas, the more enjoyable the bar will stay for you.
• Don't lend money to bar friends. You may never get it back and discord will develop.
• Don't become too friendly with the mates of other bar regulars. Alcohol can fuel jealousy.

Resources

• Bar Etiquette
• Essentials to a Good Bar Time

[Ponkin]

on 12/9/2008 good article!