So, first post here. Go out to my local bar, grab a drink and find someplace to sit. Im by myself and its a pretty small bar. Just a pool table, a few tables, and a jukebox. Spot a small empty table next to a 3-set (HB5,6,7). I approach them and ask if anyone was sitting at the table, they said no. I drink my first beer and just take in the environment ( Noel night here in midtown, crap load of people out). I notice the HB 5 glancing at me every so often, so I work up some courage and ask them if I can buy their next drink. They look at each other and say yes. Without asking what they wanted I noticed that they were drinking Angry Orchird and so thats what I went up to the bar and got.

I grab the drinks and come back, they ask if I want to join them. I say yes and pull up a chair. The conversation is going alright, but I can tell nothing will really come of it. I can tell that it wasn't a bad thing that I was there, but it wasn't the highlight of their night or anything. Conversation dies down and theres a few awkward silences, but I keep it going. Then their food comes, and I eject saying that I don't want to disturb their meals and head out.

I consider this a success, I felt good about everything and it wasn't awkward. I usually go out and just drink by myself because of AA.

Small steps people, small steps.

Advice on what to do differently? Should I have tried to escalate or not?