People skills. I can hold a conversation about a topic I know nothing about without bullshitting - it's all about asking the right questions to get the other party talking about something that fascinates them.
Also, and I don't think this is bartending but just having survived to 30, I have an understanding that no matter how hard something seems, or how lost I am, it's never quite so drastic as it feels. Also that _thinking_ like it's drastic is a surefire way to make sure it becomes so.
I've had some amazing conversations with people at the bar. I had an economist that used to come in an he'd talk about whatever research he was working on, I think I got a c- in microeconomics, but I really enjoyed listening to him talk. I always felt like I knew so much more after he left and he was so passionate about his topic I think he was just thrilled to talk about it and I was happy to listen. Maybe that's it, people are just happy that when they say something someone listens. Listening goes a long way.
