Social Connection

UPDATE: Please also RSVP on the [Partiful](https://partiful.com/e/atxtOPZiunSmUAxqnvAW?c=z-H2FZlm). The guest list below doesn’t show all attendees! Hey guys, we're starting this event on the topic of social connection which combines small group sharing and an educational component! 💙 We’re more connected digitally than ever before — and yet friendship has become strangely difficult... (Or maybe it's just me) ha This event is designed to change that! We plan to have: a short talk, fun relational games, journal prompts, and authentic, guided small-group discussion. Open to suggestions! You’ll leave with: * New perspectives on how relationships actually form * Meaningful conversations and real stories ..(that you probably wouldn't normally hear) * Practical insights you can apply immediately This may be for you if: * You’re tired of surface-level interactions, or performative social spaces * You want deeper conversations or more meaningful friendships * You enjoy personal growth/self-help, psychology, communication skills, or relationship science * (Content in later sessions will draw on Biblical wisdom/Christian faith) **Suggested age: 20s-30s** "*The experiences that make us feel the most alone, and even isolated, are often the most universal experiences.*" -Brené Brown **\~Loose Plan\~** Intro ⁘ 5m Absurd Icebreaker ⁘ 5m Hear my Personal Story ⁘ 5m "If you really knew me" game ⁘ 5m Hear Main Talk ⁘ 15m Q+A ⁘ 10m Small Group discussion ⁘ 10m Journaling (optional) ⁘ 5m Small Group sharing ⁘ 20m Social hour/feedback ⁘ 5m - end **Getting there, parking, etc** • Metro: Get off at Chinatown + 3m walk • Car: Street parking and nearby lots **About the organizer - Michael Lin, PhD, MS** Michael Lin earned his PhD in Applied Mathematics from Arizona State University, where he studied how information spreads through social systems. After moving to San Francisco, and feeling a loneliness he hadn’t expected, he began exploring a deeper, more personal question: How do we connect better with others? Since 2023, Michael has been sharing what he’s learned on his YouTube channel, breaking down human connection and offering practical ways to build more meaningful relationships. Today, he speaks on these topics, helping others move from isolation toward genuine connection. If you’re interested in having him speak at your event or organization, please reach out! YouTube: Complex Objects [https://www.youtube.com/@complexobjects](https://www.youtube.com/@complexobjects) Instagram: @**thesocialcircle** @complex_objects [Meetup.com](http://Meetup.com): The-Social-Circle [https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-nihgttao/events/](https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-nihgttao/events/)

**Trivia Night is Back!** We are back at Solace Outpost for Thursday night trivia! The game starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive by 6:30. Right now we are planning on just one team. If we get enough signed up on the waitlist, we may open it up to two teams. **Please remember, if you sign up, we are counting on you to be part of the team!** If you realize you can’t make it, please change your rsvp early enough so someone on the waitlist can take your place. Spots are limited, we can only have 7 players. This is a great chance to connect, have some fun, and show off our smarts. Come for the fun, stay for the friendly competition- let's show everyone how SSB does trivia!

Come out to Lost Gen to have a drink and gab a little! The bar is dog friendly and has a food truck. All are welcome :)

Tired and stressed after work? well this event might not work for tiredness but it can work to make you feel less stressed and at the same time to make friends and have a good social time. Come join and experience new ways to be less introverted and more social.

JOIN US FOR THE BEST NETWORKING EVENT IN DC! As seen in Entrepreneur Magazine THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= weconnect® is the fastest growing startup, digital & tech networking organization in the country. Our events are comprised of the most influential professionals in the area. THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= Our purpose is to help our members forge strong, lasting relationships within the community – combining Fortune 500/1000s with Entrepreneurs and Startups. We’re creating unique opportunities & connections to help you grow your business and network both offline and online through our proprietary platform (coming soon). Enjoy The Most Successful Startup & Tech Mixer In A Fun, Relaxed Atmosphere Mingle With Highly Successful Men & Women In The Entrepreneur, Startup, TECH Space Find Your Next Client, Employee, Business Partner or Co-founder “Your Network Is Your Net Worth.” Come Build Your Network With Us! THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= COMPANIES OFTEN IN ATTENDANCE\* (... just to name a few) Google • Sony • Electronic Arts • Hulu • Hautelook • The Honest Company • Disney • Apple • Activision • Live Nation • Dollar Shave Club • Facebook • Snapchat • Trunk Club • ZipRecruiter • Experian • DreamWorks Amplify • HBO • Edmonds.com • DogVacay • NBC Universal • YouTube • BeachBody • Playstation • Amazon...and so many more. \*This does not Guarantee that these companies will be in attendance at this event. JOIN US FROM 6:00 - 9:00PM • DRINKS\* • AMAZING COMPANY • NETWORKING \*Cash Bar PROUDLY SPONSORED BY: Connect in Tech We're Hiring THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/ym5rbj48 <= ***Event Date & location subject to change as per the organizers discretion.If event changes date your ticket will still be valid for the rescheduled event date.No Refunds, Exchanges or Substitutions***

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Greetings from the capital! Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people from all walks of life — students, diplomats, travelers, locals — gather to unwind and connect. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JFESzopY1OgJ5z4r3RINfL)] Our age range is mostly 20s to 30s. If you enjoy discussing culture, politics, travel, or just want to practice a new language, this group is for you. A perfect blend of diversity and dialogue, right in the heart of D.C.

We are going to talk about the books we read—any books, from any genre. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, classic literature or something modern, everyone is welcome to share their thoughts, impressions, and favorite passages. It’s a relaxed and friendly conversation where we can discover new ideas and enjoy each other’s perspectives.

**🫶 Live Gay Date Rounds on Zoom for Washington DC Gay Locals Curated Matches — Structured** The format means you'll connect via focused short video rounds with Washington DC gay locals age-grouped and personality-matched, as an experienced host steers the pace. When you sign up, you complete a short personality quiz — your personality data from the quiz to identify compatible Washington DC gay singles for your rounds, giving the whole evening a better shot at real connection. Once the rounds are done, contact details for mutual matches are shared — exclusively for mutual selections — and you reach out whenever you are ready. **Sign up below — pick your age range:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=507.0&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Washington%20DC&groupurlname=heartfelt-gay-men-social-outings-collective&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=507.0&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Washington%20DC&groupurlname=heartfelt-gay-men-social-outings-collective&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=507.0&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Washington%20DC&groupurlname=heartfelt-gay-men-social-outings-collective&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=507.0&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Washington%20DC&groupurlname=heartfelt-gay-men-social-outings-collective&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) **⚠️ Your seat is not locked yet:** Meetup rsvp alone does not register you for the event, so use the link for your age bracket above, sign up, and finish the short personality quiz — limited capacity means you should not wait, and your seat is only secure once registration is complete. --- **Great for:** - Queer people from around Washington DC moving on from endless swiping with nothing to show for it and want to try something that actually works. - Queer people within Washington DC moving on from profiles instead of real people and are serious about meeting someone. - Gay men and women from around Washington DC moving beyond Grindr fatigue and empty match queues and value real conversation over curated profiles. **What happens** 1. **Select your age range** – by clicking your age group registration link, then answer the personality questions, as the quiz plus registration is what counts. 2. **Get online** – via the link provided when the event is live, no download is needed since it works in any browser, and a friendly host manages everything once you are on. 3. **Enjoy the rounds** – back-to-back private Zoom rounds with Washington DC area gay singles in your age range, while a live host keeps the pace comfortable throughout, as the work of finding compatible gay people was done for you. 4. **See your results** – mutual matches are sent to you privately after the event ends, with non-mutual picks remaining completely private, and the conversation continues on your terms from that point. **Details** - **Format:** Private via a live hosted call featuring timed private Zoom rounds, paired by age bracket and quiz results throughout. - **Where:** No venue required — on any Wi-Fi-connected device, a stable internet connection and a camera is enough, and you can join from your couch or anywhere else that works. - **Host:** A warm host manages all transitions so you can focus on conversations, leaving the logistics entirely in their hands — every transition and every call to move on is handled. - **Vibe:** Relaxed private Zoom chats with local Washington DC gay people looking for connection, and you will find it hard to believe this replaced a swipe. - **Duration:** Around ninety minutes or so overall, and most people wish it were longer. ⭐ *"Really enjoyed it — easier and more fun than I expected"* – Washington DC gay attendee, second event 💡 **Worth knowing:** use headphones if you have them available, which takes the pressure off in the early rounds, and two minutes of sorting this saves the whole session. --- ✨ Try something that actually works for gay dating — book your spot above and you just show up on the night tonight. Your rounds are waiting. 🥰 ✨

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Washington.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

**MLK Library - Room 401A** Why do so many of us feel like we are alone when we have so many more ways of connecting with others than ever before? Are we missing out on forming true friendships by failing to consider the spiritual impulse for those connections? It seems to be our instinct – and need – to be connected to others. But we also seem to have created increasingly fractured and isolating social structures that don’t actually require us to build those connections – much less with anyone who may look or think differently than we do. So how might recognizing our reality as spiritual beings, as all of us being part of one human family, help us understand where this instinct comes from – and what we need to fulfill it? How might it inform the types and qualities of relationships we look for – and who with? And beyond our individual relationships, what would it look like to reconfigure our communities to make finding and building connection easier for all of us? How can we create a culture of community that supports everyone in this search, that allows every individual to thrive not despite but with and because of the larger diversity of people around them? What are the spiritual principles and qualities we need to build and nurture these diverse, inclusive, and connected communities? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the deeper truths that unite us – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the search for true friendship. Please join us for a lively discussion as we explore how we can build true community together. *“Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path.”* – Bahá’í Teachings **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

**❤️‍🔥 Hialeah Online Speed Dating — Live on Zoom** Speed dating from your living room. Short Zoom rounds with Hialeah singles matched to you by age and personality. **Pick your age group and register:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Hialeah&groupurlname=find-authentic-connections-through-group-outings&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Hialeah&groupurlname=find-authentic-connections-through-group-outings&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Hialeah&groupurlname=find-authentic-connections-through-group-outings&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Hialeah&groupurlname=find-authentic-connections-through-group-outings&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) **⚠️ RSVP alone won't secure your spot.** Register through your age group link below and complete the personality quiz. Places are limited. --- **How It Works** 1. **Register** – Pick your age group above and sign up. 2. **Take the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Your host will guide you through every round. 4. **Get matches** – Mutual matches sent after the event. --- ✨ Real conversations, real matches — all from home. ❤️‍🔥 ✨

🚗 **Only about 20 minutes from floating down the river!** This is one of those events you’ll be glad you showed up for. Especially since it **may be one of the last** cookout bonfire party that is held. Cookout, potluck, racing, camping, bonfire, music, games, and late-night hangs — all in one night. Com**e for a few hours or stay** for the whole thing. ## 🍔 Cookout + Potluck — 4:30 PM We’ll be hanging out, grilling, eating, drinking, and socializing before the races start. Please bring something to share **USE "SIGN UP"** so we don’t end up with 14 bags of chips and 9 packs of cookies 😅 [https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-64315973-saturday](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-64315973-saturday) **What to bring:** * Chair, BYOB — no glass inside the racetrack, Water or youself even if you leave it in the car, **$15 cash to support the venue** by watching some of the race * Something for the potluck USE **"SIGN UP"** [https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-64315973-saturday](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-64315973-saturday) We’ll have a grill and a **generator** available for crockpots, Instant Pots, etc. ## 🏁 Racing Starts — 7:00 PM After the cookout, we’ll head into the stands for the races. Not really into racing? Come for the drinks, stay for the wrecks 🍻 This night includes Late Models, Thunder Cars, Compacts, and a wet & wild Enduro race. Be sure to bring **water balloons to fill up and** throw during the final race 💦🎯 Please support the venue by checking out some of the racing. 💵 **$15 cash will be collected during the cookout.** Please bring exact change or a $20. ## 🏕️ Free Camping — June 5 & 6 Camping is free both nights. No tent? No problem. You can crash **in your car under the stars.** There will be a bonfire, music, games, and late-night hanging out. Please be responsible: **do not drink and drive.** ## 🎯 Other Stuff Happening * Karaoke, Beer pong, Cornhole, Bonfire, Music, Late-night hangout Have a favorite karaoke song? Let me know. ## Important Notes 📸 Photos/videos may be taken and shared on this or other platforms. ⚠️ This is a volunteer-led event. You participate at your own risk. 📵 Cell signal may be spotty, so ask questions ahead of time if needed. Stay for a bit or go all in — just don’t miss this one. **Stop scrolling. Start doing stuff.**

Dodgeball is back again! If you’ve been wanting to come out, this is an easy one to join. We’ll be playing for about 1.5 to 2 hours, you do not need to bring any equipment, and no experience is needed. We use a specific set of rules and equipment to make the games run better and keep them fun for everybody, not just people who already know how to play. If it rains, the event will be canceled.

Who else is ready to sit outside? Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.