Need Advice? Ask Chicagoist

By Rachelle Bowden in Miscellaneous on Apr 11, 2005 8:01PM

Chicagoist is pleased to announce a new feature we're adding called Ask Chicagoist and a new contributor who's going to be answering all of your questions, Sarah Nielson.

Sarah is a resident of Hyde Park but previous to living in Chicago she lived in Seattle where she wrote an advice column for the Belltown Messenger. Sarah's goal has always been to fill the advice abyss that falls outside the specialized fields of Dan Savage, Miss Manners, and Dear Abby. She specializes in real advice for real, normal people. Like us. Recently she got the itch to start doling out advice again and Chicagoist was happy to snag her and have her lend a hand to all of our readers.

So here's the deal - Email your questions to ask(at)chicagoist(dot)com and we'll post them with our advice. Been wondering about the right way approach that cute girl you see on the train? Curious as to how to break up with someone like an adult? Sarah will give it her best shot at answering your questions. Here's one of Sarah's sample questions getcha started-

I just moved into a new neighborhood and I'm trying to become a regular at a bar near here. But I'm a little shy and I don't want to come off as a creep. What's the best way to get in good with the neighborhood barkeeps?

Hi “Norm!”,

Remember The Wizard of Oz? Its one of Chicagoist’s favorite sources of inspiration. Why? Because after everything that happens, the moral of the film is that they were already what they were trying to become. Dorothy WAS home, the whole time. The Lion already had loads of courage. You get the drift. And the moral of this answer is that you are probably already a Regular. But just in case you’re not, here’s a few ideas to get you there:

Keep in mind this is an economic relationship. Yes, bars are fun, and everyone is hanging out together, but at its core this is a Marketplace. You are a customer and you are in this person’s workplace, night after night (or morning after morning, as the case may be). Sooo:

Always tip. For every drink. And sometimes: be very generous. Sit at the bar. Maybe bring something to read. Say hi to the Barkeep and chat a bit, but don’t bug ‘em. Bring friends. Don’t stir up trouble. And don’t hit on Everyone You See, or at least, not every night.

Basically, a good Regular is the kind of person you want to have around, right? Think about who you like, and why. Your favorite peeps are probably easygoing, kind, generous of spirit, funny and honest. They listen well, but they also know when to butt out. (And every now and then, they slip you $5 for no reason.)

Tin Man, they’re probably a lot like you.

Need advice? E-mail ask(at)chicagoist(dot)com.