A conversation in six words

Almost nothing was under my control

I wish I was a bartender.

That’s your biggest regret? Not bartending?

Why must a regret be monumental?

It doesn’t, but this surprises me.

What did you think I’d say?

Maybe that you’d have travelled more?

That’s so cliché, don’t you think?

Cliches can be true, you know?

Everyone wants to travel more, right?

I suppose that’s true. So. . . bartending?

My entire life has been quiet.

What do you mean by quiet?

No risks, feeling isolated, just boring.

How can you say that? Boring?

I let fear run my life.

How would tending bar fix that?

I never put myself out there.

I don’t think many really do.

But I really haven’t. I’m sad.

Your life is good, isn’t it?

On paper, yes, I shouldn’t complain.

Then why are you so sad?

I’m consumed by choices I’ve made.

Aren’t we all? I certainly am.

Perhaps, but I am borderline obsessing.

What’s the focus of this obsession?

I never put myself out there.

Out where? You’re not a hermit.

I let society make my decisions.

I don’t understand what you’re saying.

Society expects certain things — like marriage.

You wish you hadn’t gotten married?

And also kids. Society expects kids.

Society pressured you to have kids?

Not exactly. Explaining this is hard.

You are on the conveyor belt.

Yes! I’m on the conveyor belt!

You made no bold decisions, right?

Exactly! I did what was expected.

Most people do that, I think.

That’s true, but I want off.

So step off. You’re in control.

That’s just it. Control scares me.

What are you so afraid of?

If only I knew that answer.

How does this relate to bartending?

I want life to surround me.

You want life in a bar?

I want to stop the isolation.

That’s understandable. But you have friends.

Friends are not enough for me.

Well, gee, thanks a lot, FRIEND!

I want to meet new people.

You can do that any time.

I want to experience new things.

Ditto the last thing I said.

I want to take some chances.

You can do that. Believe it.

It’s hard for me to believe.

It’s not too late for you.

I feel like it might be.

You can take control. Believe it.

It’s scary. I don’t like scary.

Few people do. But it’s time.

You’re probably right. I should try.

Take a leap. Make bold choices.

What if it’s a huge mistake?

It’s time to gain some control.

I feel so stuck; I’m trapped.

Take control of your life. Now.