Rules of the Round

So this is something that is clearly bothering Dom but not something that's ever been a problem in swedenland. (Although I will mention a leetle story about that later.) The politics and subleties of a local pub. A gang you know and the beer you buy.
The Drewe Arms then. Lovely old pub which i've been going to regularly for what, almost twenty years? Obviously John and now Dom have even closer connections.
For Dom, and others in the village, the Round has become a bit of a millstone. I think both financially and socially. So here's the thing, you fancy a pint or two. You go up to the pub and there's a gang of people you know. Seven or eight say. That's a good thing, that's what you're after.
Now Dom feels pressured to offer drinks to all and sundry as soon as pops his head around the door. As that is what the majority do. This is, however, both financially painful and potentially time consuming. As in, you stay until the Round is paid back. Thus the urge to go up for a couple and a chat diminishes.

Solution. Just go in and say I'm not buying a round tonight. i'm just having a cheeky couple. I like your company, but I'm fed up with the crippling pyschological pressure of the Round. It is, after all, a public house. So the public ( you and the others there) decide the rules.

Bring your Rules  of the Round pamphlet with you. Or, even better, buy our handy RoR beermat to leave surreptiously behind.
Rule One: I dont have to buy a Round
Rule Two: I don't have to be part of a Round
Rule Three : I can accept a drink off somebody.
Rule Four: I can buy a drink for somebody.
Rule Five:  If I accept a drink off somebody I may not pay it back that same night. But I will pay it back.
Rule Six: If I buy a drink for somebody I can't expect that drink to be returned.
That last rule works well i think. As you will quickly stop offering if the offer is never reciprocated.
To be Continued.

I can still remember the existential pain on the face of a swede who i offered to buy a drink for in the very early days in the Pickwick. Probably December 2000 or early 2001. I noticed this guy (Some Lecturer Guy) in our circle had nursed his drink for a long time and it was now empty. I was on my way up. 
Me: Can i get you something
SLG: Oh no thanks its fine (he wants one really)
Me: Are you sure its no problem 
SLG: No really I'm about to go (he reaches for his empty glass)
Me:Oh, go on, wharever you like
SLG: Well (this painful for him, the facial expression is discomfort) ok, maybe one more.
Me: Great, what can i get you?
SLG: I could have an orange juice.
Me: (feeling slighly deflated in my generosity) Sure! Absolutely!
An orange juice was duly bought. He never bought me a return.

Swedes basically don't do rounds. I quickly stopped asking. It works ok one on one though.