403: AoC Toolbox | Your Third Place

Everyone needs a third place.

"You can find these in every community." -AJ Harbinger

The Cheat Sheet:

Why the third place is disappearing.
The four criteria to use when choosing a third place.
Why clubs are not a good option.
How TV has replaced the third place.
How to be welcome and become a "regular".
And so much more...

Have you noticed how nearly every sitcom has a hangout spot? Cheers' spot was well, Cheers. Friends had Cafe Perk. Seinfeld had the corner restaurant. How I Met Your Mother had the nearby pub.

But why don't more Americans have this go-to spot, this third place in their neighborhood? On this Toolbox episode of The Art of Charm we'll talk about why you need a third place, what to look for when choosing one and how to become a regular after you've chosen yours.

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In life we should all have three main places we go regularly: home, work and our third place. The third place is anything from a cafe to a pub to a diner, so long as it's close to your house and it fits certain criteria. Whether you're new to your neighborhood or not you still need a third place.

Here are the four things to look for when choosing it:

1. It's a leveler. Everyone is equal here no matter their background, socioeconomic status, etc. When someone is at this spot they're just a member of the community. In other words if there's bottle service available it doesn't fit the criteria, and this is why clubs aren't really a third place.

2. You're primarily there for conversation. Your third place is where you to go to chat, interact, vent, tell stories, etc. The purpose of being there is to communicate with the people around you.

3. You can become a regular. No matter what you know you'll see familiar faces when you go here. When you're looking for your third place be sure there are regulars who are a part of its community, people who if they weren't seen for awhile would be missed.

4. There's no real structure to what's happening.Anything can happen and there's an openness to the energy and environment of the place.People are just there to be there, not for any specific activity or agenda.

Also your third place shouldn't be sexy, it should be comfortable and a place you feel good going to alone.

And that's what you're going to do once you've chosen your third place. To establish yourself as a regular there go in on an off-peak night, some night of the week when it isn't packed and you can meet the staff and the regular patrons.

When you go there be sure to introduce yourself to the bartender and/or manager, smile a lot and make conversation with people around you. Let the staff know you're new in town (if you are) and tell them you'll be coming around often, then be sure to leave them a healthy tip. Continue to drop in during off peak times, chat people up and make the place better for having your presence. The bartenders will remember you and appreciate you.

Once you've set the foundation for your third place you can consider what friends to bring there and going in during a busy time. AJ and Johnny explain more about who to bring and when, as well as the vital role third places play in our communities. Check it out on this edition of The Art of Charm.

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403: AoC Toolbox | Your Third Place

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