When I was a child, I had a little stammer.

It was pronounced enough that my parents took me to a doctor to get checked out.

The doctor thought that I’d grow out of it and he was correct.

But I was a painfully shy child, often hiding behind my dad’s legs and my mom’s skirts when there were new people around.

It takes me a while to make a good impression, I think.

I am not the only person who suffers from a little awkwardness.

That’s why alcohol makes such a good social lubricant for people:  it makes them a little less uptight and a little more relaxed.

Of course it also lowers inhibitions, so there’s a limit to how much is acceptable social lubrication.

I’m going to a party this weekend.

A friend is turning 50 and he’s celebrating with another friend in a socially-distanced backyard party.

It’s being hosted by a wonderful friend who is herself celebrating a birthday.

Two for the price of one!

It’s Scorpio season and I am flush with parties and online zoom get-togethers and I’m happy to report that all my social awkwardness seems to evaporate when I’m with my burner friends and family.

A kinder, more accepting group of people you will never find.

Lucky for me!