the unexpected mentor who never knew they were one...

theres a bloke in our scene, mid 60s, single, comes to munches alone, sits at the same end of the bar, has a pint of bitter, knows everyone, gossips about nothing. ive watched him for years. he never gives advice unless asked. he says no kindly to women who proposition him without making it weird. he asks newbies what they're drinking and that's it. he listens. i learned more about how to behave in this scene from watching him over four years than from any podcast or book. i told him once at a christmas do that he was a sort of north star for me and he laughed and said "oh nah mate" and changed the subject. but he is. honestly thank you to the quiet ones who never know they're teaching...