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There’s something about Stoolie’s. It’s not the coolest bar in the world, but since it’s near where I work, I seem to end up there with coworkers quite a bit. Some nights I’m there for a beer or two after work with someone or perhaps I’m there getting smashed with friends. One of the most enjoyable parts about the bar is the fact that they recently have started to carry Sierra Nevada and Dogfishead beers; I’m able to drink what I enjoy now and spend time with people I’m around all of the time.
Tonight I decided to head down there for a beer while waiting on my cousin to get off of work. One of our (soon to be leaving) hostesses came down with me and she needed to vent about her life, college, her boyfriend and all of that jazz. Now, I’ve been friends with her since she’s been hired, but neither one of us have ever confided in each other and all I knew about until tonight was that she’s dating someone I know. Beyond that, nothing. Of course, whenever anyone I know gets together and goes to Stoolie’s, we’re able to blabber out whatever is on our mind and feel good about it. Though, that’s how it is with everyone.. from the various servers to chefs to whomever.
I’ve always wondered why places such as Stoolie’s, the first coffeehouse that I worked at, certain restaurant’s patios and various other places are like this. You don’t really know who you’re talking to or saying hi to, but they make a difference in your life. Tonight it dawned on me (yes, probably something that most people realize a lot younger than I have at this point) that these places are comfort zones and a near second home to some people. I feel perfectly fine kicking off my shoes at Stoolie’s and nobody saying anything. I know everyone who works there on some level. Same with a little restaurant near my old home. Even at my former job as a barista, I knew near every customer and it really did make my day a bit better seeing them daily and talking to them. On some level, the people and places.. merge together as a symbol for your life and how you live it. You may not truly know the people you see and interact with; you may not truly feel perfectly at home at your “comfort spot”, but with the two mixed together it’s extremely easy to have a heart for them both. Eventually you’re just able to be completely open and honest the same way you could behind the locked doors of your home.
With every further thought on it though, I wonder if everyone has a place like this. I can only speak for myself and perhaps a bit from seeing my friend’s and family’s own reactions to various places (my father has a favorite restaurant, my brother has a bookstore, one of my closest friends has a coffeehouse). The more I think about it, I feel everyone should have a place to feel that way if they don’t. Why? It helps give them balance, a sense of security and perhaps a real sense of belonging. Then again, I could be completely wrong. What do you think, world?
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