in the thick of it: sex, sexuality and the workplace

Now, that title was a mouthful.

But so is tackling the concept of sexuality and sex while in a peer group like 20-somethings in D.C. Mass observation often takes place within the very social networks that we all occupy, so my first post will deal with just that. I work at a tried and true 18th Street establishment in Adams Morgan, and the sexual frustration and tension is tangible in the air.

The very name of my place of employment is loaded with sexual meaning. Touted as a place where people can commingle under the soft glow of dimmed lighting, cushy sofas and little regard for personal responsibility, the intentional purpose of this establishment is to foster an environment of sex, sexiness, sexuality and everything in between.

There have been several occasions where I look out across the restaurant and see people exchanging words and phone numbers. Yesterday I served two people at two very separate, very isolated tables. At some point over the course of the shift, one person had relocated to pose questions like, "what do you do?" "What's your major?" "Where do you go to school?" And since this is D.C. and everyone is a transplant, "where are you from?" The two people wound up leaving together and I remarked on the event to my manager, who pointed out that it happens all the time. Almost as if that's why this place exists.

Public displays of sexuality are indeed rampant. Several couples occupy the tables and couches while on dates. I recently served a couple who ordered several bottles of wine and several plates of bread and when the (rather large) check came, the man nonchalantly handed me a credit card to the vehement protests from the woman he was with. Despite her protests, she was clearly happy with the outcome and they left arm and arm. People sitting nearby audibly commented on the positive nature of this date and the tone of the restaurant almost seemed to shift towards the more intimate.

Anyway, clearly this topic can be discussed at lenght. Stay tuned!