Name: 80s Cover Band $10 cash cover
Start: 2026-03-01T02:30:00.000Z
Location: Billy’s Bar And Lounge

An in-person hangout for adults with social anxiety, ADHD, or autism to connect in a low-pressure, accepting space. Outcome: form new, understanding friendships.

**A judgment-free zone for shy and neurodivergent people to connect authentically.**

We will meet at Starbucks at Barnes and Noble on 4010 S Tamiami Trail.

I will have on an International Friend Connection/Meetup Shirt

Are you tired of masking? Need a break from explaining yourself? This meetup is for adults with social anxiety, ADHD, or autism who want to be around others who just "get it."

## **What to expect:**

* No pressure to be "on" or perform social norms
* Understanding when you need breaks or fidget
* Conversations that can jump topics (we love tangents!)
* Acceptance of stimming, quiet moments, and your authentic self

## **Our one rule:**

This is our oasis from the outside world. Please bring kindness and leave negativity/conflict at the door.

*This group is designed for individuals with low support needs who can attend independently.*

**Come as you are. You belong here.**

Do you have **social anxiety**? Are you struggling with having conversations? Please feel welcome to see our **original FREE classes** here:
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVhrbTYkCPs&list=PL7dZ0pbrV6fTSANlyWr58fqm-Wejf0OjT](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVhrbTYkCPs&list=PL7dZ0pbrV6fTSANlyWr58fqm-Wejf0OjT)

**IMPORTANT:** We are not a mental health support group but this is a safe place to make new friends.

This group is brought to you by the **International Friend Connection** in partnership with **The Octopus Movement** Think Tank.

**Find out more here:**
[https://davidgood.org](https://davidgood.org)

[https://www.theoctopusmovement.org/](https://www.theoctopusmovement.org/)

IFC: Sarasota Neurodivergent/Shy People Meetup

Scott Ehrenpreis

David Good

sushi.and.dimsum

Rashmi M

Tara

Lulu Willow

Brendan

Deena Greaige

Sara Clay

Janna Andrews

Erin Dupuis

Robin

Samantha Lynch

Patricia Pete

Ishan

Scott Macauley

Shy and Neurodivergent Friendly Hangout

Starbucks at Barnes & Noble

Join us on the third Wednesday of the month for food & friendship at Panera Bread. Enjoy their delicious food & beverages and make new friends- we all need to eat, right?

**Find comfort in connection** Join us at Panera Bread in Canton (On Ford Road near IKEA) for a low-pressure social experience designed with shy and socially anxious people in mind. Sometimes the best conversations happen when there's no pressure to have them!

**IMPORTANT TO KNOW** Those who make the effort to attend regularly, even for short periods of time, soon find themselves making new friends and activities to do outside of Meetup, if interested.

**ALSO** Please support our venue by purchasing something. It can be as little as a coffee or a pastry. We want them to keep welcoming us back.

**How it works:** This is a casual hangout where you can simply be yourself. Bring a book, your laptop, a journal, or just come as you are. The relaxed atmosphere gives you space to ease into conversations naturally - no awkward introductions, no pressure to be "on" the whole time.

**Shy-friendly promises**

No introductions to the whole group required

Come and go as you please

Participate in conversation only when you feel comfortable

Relaxed atmosphere with no performance pressure

**Important boundaries** We are not a mental health support group, but we are a safe place to make genuine friendships. We do not tolerate unwelcome romantic advances or persistent asking for dates. This is a friendship-focused space where everyone should feel comfortable and respected.

We usually stay until 8:30pm or later, so feel free to join us!

East Michigan Shyness and Social Anxiety Group

Becky Smith

annab8063

Craig M

Paul

Alexis

Camille 

Steven Kozara

Vicky 

Aislinne

Sanjai T S

Steph

Chris Davis

Dakota

Vinni

Klaudia

Rob Fagerson

Darrell

Quintin Haus

Evan Provenzano

Third Wednesdays- Let's Eat at Panera

Panera Bread

In-person shy-friendly coloring and activities meetup for socially anxious individuals, helping attendees make new friends in a low-pressure setting.

**Find comfort in creativity:** Join us at Schuler Books Cafe for a low-pressure social experience designed with shy and socially anxious people in mind. Having an activity to focus on makes socializing so much easier!

**IMPORTANT TO KNOW:** Many people come once, get disappointed that they don't make a lot of friends on their first visit, and then never come back. Everyone who becomes a regular always ends up making a lot of friends.

**NEW RULES:** Schuler's is now only allowing those who have purchased food or a drink in the cafe area. If you do not want to make a purchase, please feel welcome to join our group in the back of the bookstore.

**How it works:** Bring your favorite coloring books, art supplies, or any activity you enjoy (Nintendo Switch, card games, knitting - anything goes!). The activity gives you something to concentrate on while conversation happens naturally around you - no awkward silence, no pressure to maintain eye contact or constant chat.

**Shy-friendly promises:**

* No introductions to the whole group required
* Come and go as you please
* Participate in conversation only when you feel comfortable
* Activities provide a natural buffer and conversation starter

**Too anxious to walk in alone?** We understand completely. Message us when you arrive, and a friendly greeter will meet you at your car to walk in with you. Many of our regular members started this way!

**Everyone welcome:** While this event is designed with shy folks in mind, we welcome anyone who enjoys a calm, judgment-free environment. The West MI Social Club from Facebook will be joining us too.

**What to bring:** Your favorite coloring books and supplies (or Schuler's sells these if needed). Feel free to bring other activities instead - whatever helps you feel comfortable.

**Look for:** The Meetup sign in the cafe area.

**Take your journey further:** Discover our original and in-depth program for overcoming social anxiety and building meaningful connections through our YouTube channel: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVhrbTYkCPs&list=PL7dZ0pbrV6fTSANlyWr58fqm-Wejf0OjT](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVhrbTYkCPs&list=PL7dZ0pbrV6fTSANlyWr58fqm-Wejf0OjT)

Questions? Visit our website: [https://internationalfriendconnection.com/](https://internationalfriendconnection.com/)

*"I sat in my car for 20 minutes before my first event, but then I never missed an event for years. The coloring and activities made all the difference." -* Krystle (our former host who moved away in 2022)

West Michigan Introverts, Shy, and Neurodivergent People

Annalise Medema

Monica

Raizl M

Brad B

matt

Kate

Christopher Carlson

Hannah

🧑‍🎨 The Shy-Friendly Hangout: Coloring & Various Activities

Schuler's Books and Music

A winter-themed circus event for families to watch a live circus performance.

[https://www.experiencegr.com/event/circus-wonderland-at-world-of-winter/95628/](https://www.experiencegr.com/event/circus-wonderland-at-world-of-winter/95628/)

West Michigan Geeks

Janette

Ignacio Lopez

Eric

Frederick

abelhrak

AMY ANDERSON

erika

Megan Monson

Justin David

World of Winter Circus Wonderland

Calder Plaza

A live 80s cover band show for fans of 80s music, delivering a high-energy performance.

I missed out on the January event. Glad for a second chance. i would suggest arriving at 8pm to get a table. I will do my best to save as many as I can. They make their drinks strong here.So I highly advise an uber for the night.

https://facebook.com/events/s/starfarm-at-billys-lounge-in-g/2370182610118062/

All Things Social West Michigan 30's and 40's

Stephanie

Courtney S

Steven T.

Phil

Kyla

Sean

Sonya Inderbitzin-Fischer

David F

Janessa Szymczyk

Will Zigler

Dug Van

Audra Parsons

80s Cover Band $10 cash cover

Billy’s Bar And Lounge

International Friend Connection

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The non-partisan NGO International Friend Connection was established in 2014 by David Good in Grand Rapids, Michigan, beginning with a single group, West Michigan Geeks, and has since expanded to an international presence. The organization is dedicated to fostering community for individuals who are introverted or neurodivergent, supporting recovery from social anxiety, and addressing the global social isolation and loneliness crisis as identified in the July 2025 Report by the WHO Commission on Social Connection.

International Friend Connection

Helping shy and neurodivergent people find community

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