Conversation

**Leave behind the rushed pace of traditional speed dating and embrace a more relaxed approach to meeting new people, facilitated by a [Dating Coach](https://lovedandfulfilled.com/) with prepared Conversation Icebreakers.** **💕** All ages! 💕Different sections for different age groups. Must[ ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1657502206719?aff=oddtdtcreator)**[RSVP HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1981447001320?aff=oddtdtcreator)** (Event is posted on multiple platforms, attendees displayed here doesn't reflect the actual number) * Easy going greet and meet to socially warm up * Prepared questions to facilitate meaningful conversations to assess compatibility * Engaging discussions in small groups * Opportunity to talk to every single person present * Stress free matchmaking by the coach after the event (no need to ask for contact info on the spot, you will get it after the event) Whether you are an introvert or an extravert, welcoming and easy-going environment is guaranteed. You won't have to sweat the small talk, and event will be structured and organized to make connecting effortless. **Cost:** $35 (Pay through[ ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1299434316019?aff=oddtdtcreator)**[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1981447001320?aff=oddtdtcreator)**[ ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1972845805913?aff=oddtdtcreator)or **Venmo** to @Irena-Polyakova (1469)-include your email address if using Venmo) **Location**: Uncle Jalapeno Restaurant in Herndon, VA **Time**: 3:00 pm \~ Irena

**Join the BreadBreakers community for an evening of connection and comradery over the timeless art of boardgaming!** BreadBreakers is a community where people of all different belief systems and backgrounds create community and have meaningful conversation. Usually we do that over the dinner table, but sometimes you've got to change it up a bit! Here's what to expect: * A kind, welcoming atmosphere and community * Several familiar, and several novel boardgames. * Snacks :) * We'll be gathering in Meeting Room 1 at the Reston Regional Library. * Feel free to bring a board game to share if you'd like! **I've never attended a BreadBreakers event before - what is BreadBreakers?** BreadBreakers is a community where neighbors from all different beliefs and backgrounds can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** Most frequently, we do this through the ancient practice of breaking bread around a common dining table. But we're more than just a discussion group - we're a movement to heal our world's broken discourse and forge togetherness in a time of isolation and loneliness. **Through the sacred act of just "being" together, we're working to rebuild the town square, one table (or game night) at a time.** BreadBreakers is a religiously inclusive by Restoration United Methodist Church in Reston, VA. All faiths, beliefs, and stripes are welcomed, and our leadership and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

It's February, which means it's time for our most popular topic--sex and relationships. Please listen to the podcast below (from 6:33 - 30:28)! We'll also read some relationship conflict scenarios from advice columns, and talk about our opinions/thoughts/guidance (no advance reading required). As usual, we'll socialize for about an hour before the discussion starts at 8:30pm. I encourage everyone to bring something yummy (or Valentine's themed) to share! *Note: If anyone acts creepy, I will not hesitate to ask them to leave*. **Discussion Ideas**: * Relationships and identity. Do relationship change who we are? * In relationships, to what extend to we extend our identity or embrace a new identity? How much do we open ourselves up to being a different person when we meet someone else? * Are the things that draw us to someone, also the things that repel us later? * Do we want change, but are also afraid of change? * What is more important for a successful relationship, a willingness to change or a sense of our own identity? * Do relationships have an arc? If so, what is yours * Cornerstone vs. captsone relationships. * How can relationships make room for both people to change, and the relationship dynamic to change? * Chioce paradox in relationship options. * How do our stories about our past, present and future affect our relationships? * How do our implicit memories influence our narratives, in relationship conflict? * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajneRM-ET1Q&t=393s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajneRM-ET1Q&t=393s) **(from 6:33 - 30:28)**

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good discourse and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics range from the political, to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com. Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

We'll check out Northside Social Falls Church: 205 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 Please have a picture profile so we can recognize you in the meetup. Please only sign up if you're sure about attending this meetup, and please update your RSVP as soon as possible if you need to cancel, thank you!

North Bethesda Fiction Readers, put your hold on this book NOW if you get your books from a public library. It's still in demand. It was a finalist for the National Book Critics Award for Fiction in 2023. The novel tells the story of a single house in New England over centuries. While on its face, it is a work of historical fiction, [Kirkus Reviews](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/daniel-mason/north-woods-mason/) calls it "magical." We will meet in the common area of a condominium association that is called The Gallery at White Flint. The organizer will greet everyone at the entrance. If the seating at the fireplace across from the main entrance is not appealing, we will convene in the organizer's unit. Look for a message a week before the date of discussion for more details on how to find us. There is metered parking across the street. Because February 16 is a national holiday, you don't have to feed the meter.