Awkward on Purpose: Say the Thing

NOTE: This event is cross posted, so RSVPs on Meetup do not reflect the actual number of tickets sold. We often sell out a few days before the event, so it is advised to get your tickets well in advance.

Visit the Luma listing to buy a ticket and get more info!

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Intro
​Ever notice how you can spend two hours at a dinner party, meet X people, have Y perfectly pleasant conversations...
​…and somehow leave knowing almost nobody?
​Yeah. I'm curious what happens if we do almost the opposite.
​12 strangers. 6 hours.
​A few unusual social rules.

6 Hours ?!
​Yes.
​Because two hours is usually just enough time to learn everyone's job, hometown, hobbies, and preferred method of escaping awkward silence.
​Then the event ends.
​I want to see what happens after that part.
​Six hours gives the group time to get comfortable, get a little uncomfortable, take breaks, eat something, stop performing quite so much, and eventually reach the part of the interaction that usually never happens between people who just met.
​Relax. You probably won't be talking nonstop for six hours.

​​So what do we actually do?
There will be some structure, but not a script.
​We'll experiment with paying more attention to what's happening between us, right now, instead of always escaping into stories and topics.
​You might find yourself saying:

> ​“I had a completely different first impression of you.”
> ​“I notice I suddenly don't know what to say.”
> ​“I was going to disagree with you, but then I chickened out.”
> ​“Okay, I'm definitely trying to sound interesting right now.”

​Normally those thoughts stay in our heads. Here, we'll see what happens when they don't.

​Should I come?
​If your reaction while reading this is:

> ​“That sounds kind of uncomfortable… but I’m really curious,”

​you’ll fit right in.
​You don't need to be extroverted, emotionally articulate, or “good with people.”​

Details
Date: 9/20, Sunday, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: Palo Alto, CA — exact location shared with confirmed participants
Cost: $5
Group size: 12 people
Refreshments: Snacks and water will be provided
​Please join only if you’re willing to:
​✅ participate for the full session (6 hours)
​✅ sit with some awkwardness and uncertainty