Don't you just love when things feel right, in the moment. I guess it was a standard couple of post-work drinks. Number of pints to bemuse myself and a work colleague from Derry. Thursday night in a traditional bar known as Fibber Magees. It was a bar I scoffed at when I was Younger as being a centre for old saps who lost a bet or didn't have a home for the night. This perspective was when I was 17 and only beginning to venture out. Being older (29....pre-30 blues) maybe I just understood the appeal of a quiet bar with roaring fire, traditional music and diverse people shifting through it's doors. I enjoy being able to have a laugh without a jukebox or mood music at amplified volumes. Doesn't mean I'm long in the tooth for a club, that shit still goes down.

It was now a local post-work haunt. Cheap alcohol and a chance to shoot on the events of the day (there are always multiple events). Work should be a place for 8 hours and cash out - but when you work with some of the ones we do - your lucky you don't find yourself in an alcohol dependency clinic.

After sinking a Hophouse beers, we found ourselves at the foot of a table with three girls. Being an open-minded, conversationalist I started some banter with the girl next to me. Banter, for those of non-irish or even UK habitings means having a laugh or joking around. A pretty, younger, dark haired girl with two friends that up to that point didn't appear to be having shits and giggles (a good time). I wouldn't consider myself the most natural charmer or master of flirtation but I can hold conversation, compliment when needed and do a bit of neggin (negative compliments).

Nearly turning to my third decade on earth, I've always been conscientious of where I am in my life. At present I'm an unmarried male with one son who earns a reasonable wage but is not currently on the property ladder. It can be frustrating that I'm working harder too but the end goal seems far away. It also makes me conscientious of how I approach women - especially younger women. I'm no expert but I don't expect many younger girls wishing to settle so soon. When your young, you want to explore; do a little travelling and make some experiences. I did. I was thankful for it. Though P.S anyone who wishes to fly me to cuba, feel free.

I came across a girl who could hold conversation, kept things light, humorous, attractive and I must add, fantastic figure. After several drinks, we were getting on better than expected. Both behaved ourselves (within our limits) and exchanged numbers. I think, even with a modicum of self-confidence, I thought that maybe the number was a brush off but alas, next day after a mild, unsettling hangover tinged with pizza (salami, ham, jalapenos and cheese, mmm) we're messaging and the the connection is still there. Still enjoyable getting a little buzz.

All I can say is that it helps to want conversation. Too many people are secluded in their own social bubbles, they never want to grow. Or else they are face locked with a mobile phone. Keep yourself #nonstandard