It was an impressive bit of coordination by our office, two of us (Josh and Dave) needed an oil change and another co-worker (Jane) would be driving by the auto shop at 8:25AM.  Bam!  Two cars dropped off and one ride to work.  Perfect!

I entered the auto shop first.  The owner kind of grunted at me (as always).  I feared for my oil change.  Then Josh entered, the owner’s eyes lit up.  He smiled.  They started talking hockey.  I also said “Hi” to Josh.  A realization crossed the owner’s face.  I knew Josh.  Suddenly, the owner smiled an even bigger smile and invited me into the conversation.  He liked Josh and by association, he liked me.  I had a foot in the door.

Then Jane pulled up and another smile, an ever biggerer one crossed the owner’s face.  “You guys are riding back to work with Jane?” Yep, that’s us, Jane’s friends.  He loved Jane and by association loved us.  We were in.  This oil change was going to go just fine.  I was part of the club, accepted by association.