You know, there really needs to be something that non-smokers/drinkers can do to facilitate socializing with total strangers.

Let me explain.

The man and I went to a party last night. We walked in, he got a drink and we went outside to get out of the crowd. I was not feeling my most social, and I didn't know anyone there except Jish and one of the hosts, who was running around managing this 200-300 person affair. What it came down to was that as soon as we got there, I was ready to leave. But for friendship sake, we had to hang out for at least an hour before bailing, so we found our "party spot" somewhere near the door and the two kegs that had been set up outside.

And despite not knowing a soul, and making little or no effort, we got to talk to a fabulous group of Frenchmen, and a couple of other partiers simply because we were right next to the alcohol and near among all those who had come outside to smoke.

And my point is that there is nothing like smoking and drinking for meeting people. I hang out with a lot of smokers, and they are always meeting people who need a cigarrette or a light or just someone to talk to as they freeze their asses off (or maybe that's just in California). I'm not sure that drinking in and of itself is such a help, but camping out next to the source of the alcohol is certainly a good tactic. Even better if you have some in your hand, as then people can ask you about the taste/source/type/etc.

Those of us who don't drink much or smoke simply don't have these ready-made situations in their lives. They have to rely on an outgoing personality, the ability to make smalltalk, or ... or ... or something else. Oh well. Any suggestions?