What we’re about
A social meet for anyone affected by isolation, loneliness, remote working, unwanted solitude or a sense of alienation from the way society has changed in recent times.
The goal is to meet others in a safe social setting.
The current goal is to meet on a Monday evening in a city centre cafe, roughly 6-7:30pm. Although open to ideas.
No events yet; will see if anyone joins first.
Any age, any gender etc. All are welcome.
If you suffer from social anxiety see the note below.
Who this is for
Anyone who feels a bit lost in modern life or overwhelmed at times.
Perhaps you feel alone or isolated. Maybe the world around you seems strange or remote or threatening. This can trigger feelings of depression or despair, which can be exacerbated by solitude.
Maybe you are surrounded by people with whom you cannot connect. They are too different or preoccupied in ways that distance them from you.
If any of this sounds familiar you are not alone.
We are living through an epidemic of loneliness, unexpected solitude and despondency. The world has went remote which does not suit everyone. Many people feel lost and isolated, perhaps you do too.
As we get older it becomes harder to meet new people and make friends. This is normal but feels abnormal when we have so much technology at our disposal. Everyone else seems to have the full life we lack and many have the online showreels to prove it.
This meetup is a small step towards reversing that for those who either find it difficult to connect with others in real time or who just can't find others like them.
Note: I am not a therapist and nor is this a therapy session. Just a meeting of the likeminded.
The world has changed
More and more of us are working from home. We experience the world through screens. We go out less.
Things feel like they have changed and not always for the better. Pubs and restaurants quiet on weekends. Everyone is wearing noise-cancelling headphones. We are all addicted to phones.
It is not just technology. We interact face-to-face less than we used to. We shy away. Some have never recovered from lockdowns.
Is any of this normal? Probably not. As with everything, some are more affected than others.
I decided I would like to meet people who think like me, who find recent changes to society a little unsettling. It would be great to connect with anyone who feels as I do.
A word on social anxiety
Do you suffer from social anxiety? Many do, including the organiser. So you are in good company.
You may be tempted to sign up for an event then cancel. Or maybe not sign up at all. Maybe you will talk yourself out of going. We've all done it.
I do hope you will have the courage to sign up and come along. Feel free to message me on here and we can talk. I often show up to events before the kickoff, so that may be a way to test the waters if you are nervous.