I forgot how easy this was

While vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, I tapped into my old networking skills honed at business conferences and as a food server. Normally, I'm rather reclusive, shunning social events and avoiding large groups of people. Early on in the trip, we decided that we would speak to strangers at every bar. Serge was wide-eyed as I easily approached people and had them telling us their life stories. As at a business conference, it was likely we would never see these people again after vacation. It's really simple actually:

1. Introduce oneself and compliment something about the stranger (clothing, body part etc.)

2. Inquire as to origin and duration of stay of stranger (work hard to feign interest)

3. Share same info with stranger

4. If stranger gives a compliment, say "I think I like this one" to spouse.

5. Move on to other strangers

This was how we met dozens of people whom we waved at and kissed during subsequent encounters. This is the skill that makes potiticians and business moguls alike, but one which I am loathe to employ. Why? Because it's boring, inconsequential and nothing like real connections among people. Funny, the fake connecting skill can take you places, whereas a little too much honesty is a connection killer.

By the end of the trip, we would take our place in one of the watering holes as all the other people came by to chit chat and review activities partaken in the previous night. A few passes were made and rebuffed (only because not enough alcohol had yet been consumed). I don't remember all the Gregs, Mikes, Johns and Peters, but I do know they hailed from Northern cities like Vancouver, Cleveland, Boston, Toronto, Minneapolis, Calgary, and New York.

Rather pointless, actually.