As a barmaid at the Wandering Oak, I’ve learned to take the good with the bad - and by good, I mean the groping. It’s a occupational hazard, really. But I’ve come to realize that it’s not just about the unwanted touching, it’s about how I respond to it. I’ve developed a system, really. I call it the ‘groping gauge’. It’s a delicate balance between playfully swatting away the offending hand and subtly encouraging it. It’s all about reading the situation and the patron. Some guys just want a little too much attention, if you know what I mean.
I remember this one guy, a burly blacksmith, who came in every night for a week straight. He’d sit at the bar, nursing his ale, and every time I’d come near, he’d try to sneak a feel. At first, I was annoyed, but then I started to see the pattern. He wasn’t just a creep, he was a lonely guy who craved attention. So, I started to play along. I’d brush my hand against his, or give him a playful nudge. He’d get all flustered and excited, and before long, he was buying rounds for the whole bar. It was a win-win, really.
Of course, not all groping is created equal. There are the guys who just won’t take no for an answer, the ones who think a little bit of force is okay. Those guys, I have to draw the line. But the others, the ones who just want a little bit of affection, I’m happy to oblige. It’s all about setting boundaries, really. And besides, it’s not like I’m hurting anyone. In fact, I’m probably making their day a little bit brighter. And who knows, maybe they’ll even leave a bigger tip.
>Soulkyn