It's called code switching, and it's something we all do, whether we realize it or not. We all want to fit in, and people like you more when you behave similarly to them, so code switching comes naturally.

Man, I tell you, there is something nice about being a regular and engaging like that.

You do have to make sure the staff are cool with it, but being able to roll in for your transaction and be happy to see the staff, and have them happy to see you because you're happy to see them and everyone is nice to each other, it fucking rocks.

My corner store of choice, I used to go there for cigarettes almost daily in part because it was such a good time. I could have gone less often and bought more, but it was cool as fuck.

They knew me by name, would ask my dad or wife how I was doing if they went, and they'd send messages back to me.

There were times when things were really busy, and regulars would start bullshitting with staff and each other, and the less familiar customers would be smiling and laughing too because happy is contagious.

How fucking rad is that?

I stopped smoking, but I still find reasons to stop in here and there, and it's still that same friendly, relaxed vibe. It feels like a community in there. That's mostly because the staff are all people that make that vibe possible by being willing to do that social dance. Yeah, the people in the area have to play their part too, but you gotta respect and admire the folks putting themselves out there like that.

Back during COVID, the crew at our stop n rob managed to maintain that community feeling, even behind masks and the plastic shields, while wearing gloves. That's fucking beast mode right there.

You find a store like that, where people can be people instead of machines exchanging goods for cash, that's the place to be.

I think people do not recognize the immense value of weak interpersonal bonds, like going to the same corner store all the time. But they are the glue that holds society together. It's not the deep friendships, you can only have a few of those. It's those people you are acquainted with, and look forward to seeing, people you wave to, all those little connections add up.

This was 100% my shop owner my second trip over. Beautiful human by the name of Yusuf. Every time we'd enter his shop it was just one put up after another. We actually were able to secure his citizenship and help him immigrate, which was a rare success story from my experience. All 7 shop owners my first go around were dispatched. Family and all. Horrific.

Yusuf, how goes it my friend?

(This is like '06) "everyday day I'm shufflin'" (sandle life) Followed by how grateful he was for everything.

Oh how my country loves to make promises to good people and abandon them without a thought.

Except he doesn't leave; he stays behind the counter.

I once saw a group of six middle schoolers try to one up each other for half a hour with “put ups” instead of put downs, and it was glorious.