🏆John 🏆

I was in the local last night when a group of four lads, all looked about 17 or 18, sat down next to us. The landlord asked for ID, which they politely produced before settling in and having a laugh about Halloween parties, costumes, and the usual things young people talk about. I sat in that very same pub as a 17-year-old. Two of them were even drinking Guinness!! Over the course of a few hours, I didn't hear raised voices, abuse, racism, or misogyny. What I did hear was them congratulating one of their mates on receiving his first wage packet from his first job. They didn't talk about politics. They didn't talk about small boats. They didn't fit any of the stereotypes we're sometimes told to expect. Talk of "hope" is often dismissed or ridiculed, but sitting there watching those four ordinary young lads enjoying each other's company, I saw it. It was real, it was powerful, and it reminded me that most people are simply trying to get on with their lives, support their friends, and look forward to the future. You just have to look for it.