YMCA "Third Place"

I renewed a friendship with an aquaintance of mine today at the YMCA. He was working-out diligently on a tread mill attempting to shed fifty pounds he acquired since his retirement this past year. He complained how bored he was since he retired. Just didn't have anything to do, or anyone to do it with. He said he never acquired any hobbies or outside interests during his working years, and now that he is retired, he had nothing to do. Dick is the kind of a guy that would benefit from a "third place." There is home and work, which are importannt activities in everyone's life, but we all need a "third place." A "third place" like a coffee shop, restaurant, or a tavern where "everyone knows your name." A place where regulars hang-out, people come and go, and everyone is welcome. It's really an informal association, but yet it's tight nit with friendships that are deep rooted and lasting. These associations become an important part of life and have a tendency to last a long time. Everyone needs a "third place." It's healthy to interact with others on a routine basis. It adds to a person's enjoyment of life and keeps one laughing and mentally active, essential for a full and complete life. Dick told me he accepted a part-time job as a driver for the senior citizen transportation agency in town. Said he was going to quit though, too many responsibilities and stress with wheelchairs, impaired and disabled seniors. More stress than he had working full time. I told Dick that maybe he should go to Florida in the winter where there are lots of ourdoor activities to get involved in. He said, "the only thing I like about Florida is the weather, nothing else." I said, "Yea, I feel the same way." We talked about the mayor's race, high taxes, and especially all the foreclosures in town. Dick Said, "where are all these people going"? I said, "Their doubling up, moving back home, or returning to an apartment they never should have left in the first place. You know, home ownership isn't for everyone. There's a lot of responsibility owning a home, and lots of additional expenses first time homeowners never think about. I think many of them just get overwhelmed and walk away." This current generation of young people aren't very responsible. They can't hold jobs very long, create immense credit card debt, and divorce their spouse with the first bump in the road. Maybe it's a function of the "throw-away society" they grew up in. Nothing is permament; just replace it with something new and better. Well, Dick said he had to get going. I said, "I'll see you down here later Dick, take care." Maybe he'll be at the Y next time I'm in. Perhaps we'll start our own "third place."