This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.
Escapism is a dream for many. The idea of disappearing to the tropics, living in a desolate cabin in the wilderness, or even getting away from the daily grind and heading out on a long road trip seems the ideal way to spend our time.
Escapism seems ingrained in our DNA. Nearly everyone I know has—at one time or another— fostered an escapist dream. My personal one is definitely the Caribbean beach bum life.
Among those of us who may not be able to afford running away to Saint Barts or buying that wilderness cabin, some have figured out that they can find at least a few hours of escapism at their local dive bar.
A dive bar is that perfect spot where you can just wander in, pull up a stool, and, for the cost of only a few happy hour drafts, leave the world behind.
There is always an opportunity to strike up a conversation with some like-minded folks who, over time, become your companions and eventually even your friends. Without having much in common you can have deep conversions about fishing or travel or cars—the important topics for escapists.
If you want to engage in more weighty and thorny issues, you can wade into a discussion of the local sports clubs. Be it baseball or football or soccer, be prepared for strong opinions from all sides.
Striking up a real face-to-face conversation also gives you the opportunity to keep your phone in your pocket and escape the digital world as well. When you are in the moment—engaging in conversation or even just listening to the jukebox—you don’t feel the need for the dopamine hit of checking the likes on your latest Instagram post. Unplugging from the digital world every now and then is good for the soul.
For a few hours, the stress of work or the strain of daily obligations can melt away in the sounds of the jukebox or into the dark corners of the bar, while you lean against the well-worn counter and discuss the day’s least pressing topics, like the strength of the Yankee’s pitching rotation this year.
Spending an evening at the dive bar may not be as fun as becoming a beachcomber in the Caribbean or completing that long-dreamed-of road trip, but it does make a little bit of escapism attainable for all of us.
