I’ve been living in a darker state than normal these past few years, especially lately. Negative memories about my life have resurfaced, but this time I experience these events as a well seasoned adult instead of a inexperienced young child. In some ways, this time I’m lucky, as I’ve done some things financially that put me in a situation where I have options in my life. But even with these options, my mood is still sour.

A recent habit that I’ve picked up is going to “dive” bars to drink and contemplating about life and my current situations. I’m in very good shape and I still have a quick wit about me even if I’ve been drinking that makes me a good person to talk to (or so I believe). So recently, I went to a small, rundown dive bar to escape and engage in this odd manner of thinking that I prefer. The bar had five other people in the bar, three elderly men and what appeared to be a youngish couple playing pool so I started drinking and thinking…

I was talking to the bar owner when the youngish couple came up to get some drinks from the bar owner (who was playing the role of bartender that night). The female from the couple recognized me from the gym that I attend and we all started talking and getting along quite nicely. We got along so well, that after our drinks the couple invited me to explore another dive bar that was about 5 miles away.

We drove to the “other” dive bar and I surprisingly had an awesome time. They were such a fun and giving couple I was astonished! First they offered to drive me there because of my mood they probably assumed I was drunks, but I wasn’t. I explained I was good, so I drove separately. Once there, the male instantly bought a round of fireball for all of us. I actually said I would get it, but he beat me to it. I said I would get the next round, but I was beat again, so I only got to reciprocate on the third round. We slowed our drinking after than and that’s then the magic started to happen! We all laughed so hard about some many things! They were both of a similar background and sense of humor as I was so we gelled! I’m not doing the experience justice here, but I had a blast! For the last few hours we all sang Karaoke, which as an introvert, I never done before.

These practically strangers created one of the best bar experiences that I’ve ever had in my life. The rabbit hole goes much deeper than this, and I am indebted to them for their kindness!

Life is full of surprises! And this was far above and beyond one of the better bar experiences that I’ve ever had!

Don