A place that is a leveler is, by its nature, an inclusive place. It is
accessible to the general public and does not set formal criteria of
membership and exclusion. There is a tendency for individuals to
select their associates, friends, and intimates from among those closest
to them in social rank. Third places, however, serve to expand possibilities,
whereas formal associations tend to narrow and restrict them.
Third places counter the tendency to be restrictive in the enjoyment of
others by being open to all and by laying emphasis on qualities not
confined to status distinctions current in the society. Within third
places, the charm and flavor of one's personality, irrespective of his or
h~r station in.!ife: is ~hat counts. In the third place, people may make
blIssful SU?StltUtlO~S m the ros~ers of their associations, adding those
they genumely enJoy and admire to those less-preferred individuals
that fate has put at their side in the workplace or even, perhaps, in their
family.could be entertained in the home