Food & Spirits Magazine #17 | Page 37

With that being said, if you see a ring on that special finger, more than likely it’s real and they’re in a serious relationship. I know, there are some of us that wear fakes, but even then take it as a sign that we don’t want to date one of our customers. I’m sure you’re a really rad person, and who knows maybe in the future when you coincidently bump into them when they’re not working, they’ll be interested – or maybe not. Take their disinterest with grace because I’m sure they were still flattered. The relationship world within bartending is rather interesting. Of all of the bartenders I know that are in relationships, the majority are dating someone that has also worked or is still working in the industry. Our hours are weird, so it helps when our significant others are on the same time schedule. Most of us don’t get home until four o’clock in the morning, so it’s nice and convenient when our “person” is also getting home at the same time. We’re basically vampires of the non blood-sucking variety. We work all night, go to bed when most of humanity is waking up and we wake up when normal human life is about to get off work. However, if you want to attempt a relationship with one of our kind, we’ll try to see daylight if we really like you. There is always hope. Quick Review: •  Don’t be excessive. Once, maybe twice you can hit on your bartender before that want to swat you away like a fly. •  Just because we told you our names does not mean you get to yell it trying to get a drink. Patience is a virtue; it’s more impressive you if wait and say “thank you (insert bartender’s name here).” This will also score you major brownie points. •  We don’t give out our numbers. Be the brave, awesome soul you are and put yourself out there. Give us your number. Maybe you’ll wake up to a nice text from the bartender. Or maybe not. •  DON’T STALK! Period. •  If you hear the words “boyfriend”, “girlfriend”, “significant other”, etc. coming out of our mouth, we’re taken, and we’re probably not going to date you anytime soon. If you bravely still try to give us your digits, don’t be upset when there’s no phone call or text. •  We’re night owls; be prepared if we do want to hang out. Our schedule is basically the exact opposite of most people. It’s tough to date us, partially, because of that very reason. fsmomaha.com “The best way to get your hands on a bartender’s phone number is to coincidentally run into them. When I say coincidentally, that’s what I actually mean.” I’m sure I missed many aspects of hitting on your bartender 101, but I’m sure you get the gist. I’m also excited and honored to be writing this column. I mentioned before that if any of you awesome FSM readers ever have questions about bar life, bartending, anything to do with the bar world, please ask! The questions and even concerns you have will help me develop Babysitting After Midnight to a vibrant future. I’m very much so looking forward to reading your e-mails! 37