On the sidewalk out front of the bar, after the event, we talked for a minute or two longer, and promised to see each other again soon. Then we hugged, fist-bumped, and went in opposite directions toward our trains. While I was walking I got a text from him with an image of a flyer he’d made for a New Year’s Eve party he and his girlfriend would be hosting in a few days, at their apartment. I gave it a ‘thumbs up’, though I didn’t yet know whether I’d be going to the party. I most likely wouldn’t, I figured, because I’ve become quite boring in my habits and in my tendencies, but there is always the outside chance I’ll attend. My friend is a very nice dude and I like hanging out with him.