In this month of togetherness, and found family values, today’s list gives us a sense of what we can expect from our found bar family at least. You, the reader, can hopefully feel this in the world too, like you’re people watching and deciding if you want to join this loud character family. In this blog, Sly might be our reader intelligence informant, but Deej and Rodger? They are walking in the door witnessing all from the common (ish, Rodger isn’t exactly a kitty on a leash) perspective.

Just like 5 minutes with a group of people gives you some incite into how they are as a group, we can also tell a lot about people’s playlists when we hear a few songs.

So, what do you quickly? That data that tells you about someone based off sight alone? Like how they dress and how healthy they look. But how does that work in a bar? Same as any other restaurant. Do you feel welcome? Or do you feel like you shouldn’t touch anything? Do you feel safe or like there’s more reasons to leave over staying? Is it empty or packed? If you walked into a packed bar, with lively atmosphere, staff that smile and hug each other, with memories on the walls and history in the air… Are you better off together here for a rest and maybe a drink?

Better Together – Jack Johnson

As soon as you stay for the next song, or get your drink and a spot to people watch, you hear the stories. Tall tales that make it sound like everyone is in on the action, even the patrons who lean in to hear better. There’s enough staff that someone makes contact, keeps chatting, and soon you have an introductory in to the chaos. Even if you came in to drink away troubles, there’s someone there for you and that mood. This found family has people to lean on no matter what you feel like.

Lean On Me – Bill Withers

The people, especially your hostess Tweety, give off this feeling… No matter what, you can walk in and find them being exactly what you remember, what you need on your day- good or bad. They listen to your stories, or spin their own if you don’t want to talk, but don’t want to be alone either. Occasionally, the antics prove that others have had it worse than you, or there’s some wisdom passed along that clicks. That no matter what, they will be themselves, and there for you, stranger or found family regular alike.

I’ll Be There – Jackson 5

After all, found families stick together because it lasts forever. The bond that unites isn’t something that lasts a season only. There will always be people who come and go. But the ones you count on? You never forget them, and if you can, you making a living sticking together as your group. At least, that’s what the Red Letters cast tells us over and over again. A sort of count on me to have your back, as I know you’ve got mine, and look how the years passed in one giant good time. They say if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life, right?

Count On Me – Bruno Mars

Ups and downs, the bond that connects our Soulful staffers is like blood. They may not be the same family tree, but it’s like they are reborn together, and good luck telling them that they aren’t ride or dies for each other just because true blood doesn’t unite them. Sometimes, making your own family is the strongest thing you can rely on.

Family – The Chainsmokers ft Kygo