After getting home late last night I decided to hit the bar for some soloing. It was 1AM, weeknight, and I knew that I wouldn't have much time so I looked around the house for a prop. Something that would get people talking to me at the bar and fast...

Found a banana on the counter.

I slipped into the bar discretely, stood near the stools, and then started to peel and eat like it's a completely ordinary bar occurrence. Within 5 minutes I'd spoken to most of the staff plus another 4-6 patrons, half guys, half girls. Stuff like:

Him: "Why do you have a banana?" Me: <Face like "duh!"> "I'm hungry."
Her: "Where'd you get the banana?" Me: <Duh!-face> "Um, supermarket?"
Her: "Where'd that banana come from?" Me: "It's late March so... probably a greenhouse?"
Him: "Why did you bring it here?" Me: "It was becoming over-ripe; I have to finish it today."

Plus there was some guy making semi-crude banana/cucumber jokes. I often offered people a bite or broke off a bit: "Want some? It's good." No takers so... more banana for me!

At around 50% banana I sat next to two 19-year-old girls. After they asked some question about the fruit conversation just flowed. I didn't believe her age so I had her pull out ID. (Compliance!) She tuned out after a few minutes of conversation but then her friend chimed in. After shifting my attention to the friend (Punish her IOD) the original girl noticed and tried to get back into the conversation (jealous). I got to practice reading signals care of Pease's "Book of Body Language" and noticed who had just her face toward me, who turned her chest toward me, looked for exposed wrists, and generally tried to keep my palms showing and head up.

Realistically, 19 is probably just a waste of time for me so I let the chat go after 10-15 minutes and settled my bill. I bet that everyone at the bar will remember me next time, too!

I don't suffer much AA but if you do, here's something easy that you can try.