Well, as they say. If you don't want to wind up with a drunk, don't shop at 'the drunk store'....

In my younger years I would work the ranch or farm, go home to was the smell of sweat, dust and cattle off and hit the bars. I loved the dancing, meeting people, hanging out and all the good things that can happen there. I think I wore the bar out of me then, I hardly ever go to one now

In my travels, I have loved going to local bars and as we say here in Oz, Chewin the fat, just talking to some of the old timers and hearing their stories has been fascinating. Yes you do get the odd drunken arsehole, (men and women) but i always have a great time. If I’ve ever felt threatened I have usually spoken to security or align myself with other people in the bar and explain the situation, I’ve usually been taken into the fold and protected. If I ever decide to write a book, I will definitely start in some of the older lesser known “ establishments” and go from there, some very colourful local history and gut busting hilarious anecdotes abound.

Not all bars are equal.....Over the years, I've been in some that were lots of fun. Some are really trashy and probably not safe for a female alone. But you can meet all types - that's for sure. And, yes, if you're the sober one and they're all trashed you'll be able to write a book (or a short story maybe). It will be hilarious, I guarantee it.....

Should we be memorizing these "pick up" lines? Have fun...enjoy life...there is no "afterlife"

If bars are not your world it won't work for you. It is my world, and probably 90% of the people l have met in friendship (both genders) or for dating, l have met in bars. I find a lot more honesty in bars than the rest of the world. The alcohol tends to make people a little more honest. If you like bars you have to find the one that fits you. Bars are as different from each other as snowflakes are different from each other.

I rarely go to bars though sometimes I would go to clubs to dance. I don’t drink and I don’t care to be around people who have been drinking a little too much. I do like to hear local bands especially if friends play in them so I might bring a friend along and order ginger ale or water.

And ugh. I’ve met a lot of men who judge women on their body type, weight, and general looks. I guess women can be judgy too but I just haven’t heard that kind of thing much from female friends. I for one don’t care about looks or body type.

I do this all the time. It is a way to be alone with arms length companionship. I don't go to my bar to hookup so life is good and smoky and silly . Big day yesterday as I defriended my exwife on Facebook so I needed a distraction and my bar always does me right

I'll walk in any bar with live music...and walk out if I'm not comfortable with people or 'vibe'. It's always good to know when is time to move on. Seams like you've learned something new

Fascinating. Thanks for aptly describing bar culture.

Since I never go to bars, you confirmed my impression of what's it's like to be a single woman surrounded by drunken guys.

Being the only sober person around stoned or drunk people is boring.

Where was that bar, Baltimore area?

egads. I hate bars. I've played in a country band for over a decade. we play in VFW's and "blue collar" bars. They are filled with drunk assholes.

Wow. This guy is a real winner. He probably can’t figure out why he is alone.

Doesn't sound to me like a very pleasant atmosphere.