It's Only A Paper Rose

I don't necessarily mind the bar environment when I'm with people I already know, and can read their body language as much as their actual words. Besides, usually when I'm in that sort of environment I'm planning on dancing, which isn't a hugely verbal activity anyway. But while I sort of understand that bars are the de facto social environment for people our age, it seems a uniquely bad sort of place to meet new people. At least, if you're at all interested in getting to know them as people.