Friend behaving strangely.....
Discussion
One of my closest friends delivered a bit of a bombshell last night. We meet for a few beers and a catch up once or twice a week. A proper real pub full of salt of the earth types. Landlord always has a good selection of cask ales and knows how to keep it...
Anyway, I've known this friend for 10 years. We spoke briefly last night to arrange a time to meet today. However, he suggested meeting for a coffee instead. It didn't register immediately (My wife thinks it might have been shock), but after about 10 seconds (and having nearly choked on my cigar) the enormity of what he had said finally sunk in.
I did ask him to repeat what he had just said; this confirmed the above. Now, I believe I have acted properly (and as a true friend) by keeping my powder dry... for the time being. As it stands, I we agreed that it would be appropriate if we ceased all contact until such time as I had come with an appropriate course of action to deal with his strange behaviour.
Firstly, is he ill? Wanting to meet for a coffee is completely out of character. It might also be the rather mild weather we are experiencing for this time of year, which I believe can affect certain people's biorhythms.
Equally, I did some research last night and I understand that it is not uncommon for gentlemen in a city called London to meet up for a café late and some polite conversation, as opposed to 6 pints, cheese and onion cobs and a few hours of ritual piss taking. It is possible that he has come in to contact with one of these people and caught whatever they have?
Does anyone have any similar experiences from which I can draw so I can help my friend, or should I throw him to the pack of baying wolves (who also double up as my circle of friends) at the earliest opportunity?
As it stands, I am still looking forward to a pint or three this evening, but would rather avoid an awkward social situation.
Anyway, I've known this friend for 10 years. We spoke briefly last night to arrange a time to meet today. However, he suggested meeting for a coffee instead. It didn't register immediately (My wife thinks it might have been shock), but after about 10 seconds (and having nearly choked on my cigar) the enormity of what he had said finally sunk in.
I did ask him to repeat what he had just said; this confirmed the above. Now, I believe I have acted properly (and as a true friend) by keeping my powder dry... for the time being. As it stands, I we agreed that it would be appropriate if we ceased all contact until such time as I had come with an appropriate course of action to deal with his strange behaviour.
Firstly, is he ill? Wanting to meet for a coffee is completely out of character. It might also be the rather mild weather we are experiencing for this time of year, which I believe can affect certain people's biorhythms.
Equally, I did some research last night and I understand that it is not uncommon for gentlemen in a city called London to meet up for a café late and some polite conversation, as opposed to 6 pints, cheese and onion cobs and a few hours of ritual piss taking. It is possible that he has come in to contact with one of these people and caught whatever they have?
Does anyone have any similar experiences from which I can draw so I can help my friend, or should I throw him to the pack of baying wolves (who also double up as my circle of friends) at the earliest opportunity?
As it stands, I am still looking forward to a pint or three this evening, but would rather avoid an awkward social situation.
Rather easily solved. Send your man to Tescos Emporium, and tell them to pop a cheap kettle, a mug and something called Instant Coffee in a parcel for the landlord. ASk the landlord if he can prepare a hot beverage for your friend. Obviously there's a shilling in it for him.
Then meet said friend, he has coffee, you have ale.
Then meet said friend, he has coffee, you have ale.
A hundred years ago, most people in Europe used beer as their primary source of potable liquid/water. No nasty cholera etc, you see.
As recently as the 70's, no one saw anything wrong with drinking spirits, in the workplace, in the morning while smoking!
And now, despite the fact that we have been drinking it, for millennium, despite the fact that certain cultures still drink it, literally, for breakfast, we are in the ridiculous situation that a beer with your lunch is somehow evidence of the deepest depravity.
So, people don't meet for beer because they are generally afraid to suggest it.
Meeting for coffee is the safe alternative and avoids people putting 12-step brochures into your cubby-hole.
As recently as the 70's, no one saw anything wrong with drinking spirits, in the workplace, in the morning while smoking!
And now, despite the fact that we have been drinking it, for millennium, despite the fact that certain cultures still drink it, literally, for breakfast, we are in the ridiculous situation that a beer with your lunch is somehow evidence of the deepest depravity.
So, people don't meet for beer because they are generally afraid to suggest it.
Meeting for coffee is the safe alternative and avoids people putting 12-step brochures into your cubby-hole.
soad said:
A hundred years ago, most people in Europe used beer as their primary source of potable liquid/water. No nasty cholera etc, you see.
As recently as the 70's, no one saw anything wrong with drinking spirits, in the workplace, in the morning while smoking!
And now, despite the fact that we have been drinking it, for millennium, despite the fact that certain cultures still drink it, literally, for breakfast, we are in the ridiculous situation that a beer with your lunch is somehow evidence of the deepest depravity.
So, people don't meet for beer because they are generally afraid to suggest it.
Meeting for coffee is the safe alternative and avoids people putting 12-step brochures into your cubby-hole.
Not that I'm an alcoholic but on the occasion when I do go out for lunch during work hours I'll have one drink (maybe a whisky or a lager) and it generally does give you a little boost.As recently as the 70's, no one saw anything wrong with drinking spirits, in the workplace, in the morning while smoking!
And now, despite the fact that we have been drinking it, for millennium, despite the fact that certain cultures still drink it, literally, for breakfast, we are in the ridiculous situation that a beer with your lunch is somehow evidence of the deepest depravity.
So, people don't meet for beer because they are generally afraid to suggest it.
Meeting for coffee is the safe alternative and avoids people putting 12-step brochures into your cubby-hole.
Shame as you say that it's frowned upon these days.
FiF said:
Wild guess. So he came out as an alcoholic then? Give him whatever help he needs, as long as it's not the sniff of a bar maid's apron. He's going to need all the support he can get, it's what friends are for.
Or is there a parrot inbound on runway 27R?
Whoosh...Or is there a parrot inbound on runway 27R?
His friend has caught "the ghey". This should not be confused with being gay, both straight and homosexual people can catch "the ghey".
glenrobbo said:
Impasse said:
Face it, he's just not that into you.
Or this ^^^^^^^^ So, he has potentially caught a nasty does of 'London-ness'. Is there a cure? I feel it's my duty to help my friend through this difficult time, but the Black Country is an unforgiving land and the last thing I would want is to find my self on the wrong end of a sound beating simply on the basis of association.
Is it really true that if you are a father in London you are not allowed to go to the pub?
B.J.W said:
glenrobbo said:
Impasse said:
Face it, he's just not that into you.
Or this ^^^^^^^^ So, he has potentially caught a nasty does of 'London-ness'. Is there a cure? I feel it's my duty to help my friend through this difficult time, but the Black Country is an unforgiving land and the last thing I would want is to find my self on the wrong end of a sound beating simply on the basis of association.
Is it really true that if you are a father in London you are not allowed to go to the pub?
Has he started sporting a beard or skinny jeans? Does he ride a fixie?Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff