John, i was a closeted drunk, and very afraid " people" would find out. I was ashamed, big time.
so when i went to the liquor store and had to stand in line, you bet i chatted with others. first, be cause my problem had been solved for the day since i was going to be drinking and therefore i was goingto be okay for the night, and secondly, because it was very important to seem " normal" when buying booze. so nobody would suspect. same reason i always varied where i bought the stuff. fear.
anyway, just sharing. i was pretty much always non- chalant and friendly when in te liquor store.