Social Connection

Looking to connect with other young adults with food allergy? Join **Adulting with Allergies**, FARE’s social club for young adults 21 and up. **[Register Here](https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/adulting-allergies-young-adult-food-allergy-social-club)!** The goal of Adulting with Allergies is to create a space where young adults can connect, share experiences, and build community. Members can participate in quarterly virtual hangouts, as well as annual in-person events hosted in cities across the U.S. Our first **VIRTUAL** session will take place on **May 26 at 7 PM EST** and will focus on navigating food allergies in the workplace. Please note that there is no limit to number of attendees. If you're interested in registering, click the link above!

📚 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.

Everyone is welcome to attend our weekly happy hour, at Tony & Joe's Waterfront Bar in Georgetown (3000 K. St, NW). The event goes from 7:15 to around 10:00 PM. Feel free to show up at any time. French speakers of all levels- from beginners to expats- are invited. We hope to see you there!

Please join us every week for power networking! Our Chapter Passed $1,666,736 USD in the past 12 months! BNI members, on average, increase their business 20% the first year. Our chapter is a dynamic, committed group of business people who know how to refer business to each other. Come for our meeting -- stay for the referrals!!! We have open categories for individuals who will bring enthusiasm and integrity to our meeting. Just one person per professional specialty is allowed in each chapter. Visit a meeting to find out more and lock out your competition! Register Here: https://bninovanorth.com/va-nova-north-bni-mclean-business-connection--n136/en-US/visitorregistration?chapterId=16988

Did you know..... The National Portrait Gallery conducts free docent-led tours. No ticket needed! No hastle driving downtown either, the Green Chinatown Metro station is right across the street. Join us for the 1:00 p.m. "Highlights of the Collection" tour which will start in the F Street lobby. Afterward, we will walk several blocks to "54 Restaurant" for a pho soup lunch and conversation. Need more info.? Send me a message. Hope to see you there! ....Ross A.

Come the whole time or if you just spend 30 minutes. All are welcome. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own coloring supplies but, if you don't have any, I will have plenty and am happy to share! (coloring books, colored pencils, and markers). Part of the mission of this group is to provide us an opportunity to check out AND SUPPORT local businesses. So, please don't bring any outside food/drinks and, while purchasing something isn't at all a REQUIREMENT to participate in the event, I do strongly encourage you to try something from the vendor :) I look forward to seeing and meeting you there! ***\*\*DISCLAIMER*\*\*** Photos may be taken during the event to be shared here on Meetup so feel free to let me know if you'd like to be excluded from them.

**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?

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/)

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.

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.

Come attend a free in-person seminar where you will find out why you: -Feel isolated -Can't express yourself openly -Get nervous or anxious in front of people -Run out of things to say or feel tongue-tied -Feel introverted -Don't feel comfortable in any social setting -Can't make more friends -Are shy and miss opportunities to connect in a meaningful way And we cover what you can do about any one, some or all of the above. This seminar is the weapon against loneliness, isolation and boredom, come join us! COME TO THIS SEMINAR AND LEARN THE SECRETS TODAY This seminar is brought to you by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center. 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215