Resolution: Be Social Sober

I’m not going to do New Year’s resolutions per se. This year, when I realize something I don’t like about myself or some failing of mine, I’m going to immediately make a resolution to improve.

After dinner, I went to give Death & Company one last shot (more on that later) and I was seated next to a woman who was also alone. It was pretty evident that she wanted to chat but I just sat there like a loser and kind of avoided eye contact and just kind of spun my glass. Even after she introduced myself, I didn’t try to be social and friendly or, dare I say, human. Even as I was sitting there, I was wondering why I just didn’t strike up a conversation.

Now, if I had had a few more in me, she probably couldn’t have shut me up. It’s a bad habit I’ve fallen into so the resolution for the rest of the year is to be friendlier and more open with chatting with people when the opportunity presents itself.

On the same note, I’ve somehow stopped looking at people when I talk. Not sure when I picked up this stupid habit but it’s kind of weird. Obviously, you don’t want to lock eyes with someone and glare into their ojos while talking to them but I’ve somehow gone the opposite direction and am often looking past them or just not looking up which is less creepy but more rude.

So those are two self-improvement needs for 2026. I’ll let you know how I do.

As for Death & Company, it’s definitely Off The List for me. It’s basically a date bar for the young ‘uns. It might be the darkest bar in LA and while the music isn’t obnoxiously loud, it’s not exactly old folk friendly. Basically, whenever I’m there I feel like Al Pacino in Scene of a Woman.

The other thing I don’t love about it is that it’s a completely seated establishment,. You walk in and a host brings you to your seat. Even the bar seats are doled out by the host. This is why I call it a date spot; it’s certainly not a neighborhood bar to pop in for a drink. That being said, the bartenders were very friendly and I’ve heard that the mixed drinks are delicious but that’s not enough to bring me back.