Hi Reader

Today’s Connection Win

I’m excited to share a brilliant idea from Cathy, who just moved back to Bucharest. She messaged me about something she’s trying called “Friendship Office Hours” and I literally couldn’t wait to share it with you all.

Here’s what Cathy wrote: She’s planning to sit at a local coffee shop every Saturday morning from 10 to 2, bringing just her book, journal, and favorite fountain pen. Friends and acquaintances can drop by whenever they want during those hours - no pressure, no formal plans. If someone shows up, great! If not, she enjoys her quiet morning.

How genius is that for reconnecting with people in a new-old city?

Why This Works So Well

First off, there’s zero pressure. Nobody has to commit to anything or worry about canceling plans. You’re going to be there anyway, doing something you enjoy.

Second, it removes that weird “we should hang out sometime” limbo. Instead of endless back-and-forth trying to find a time that works, you just say “I’m at [coffee shop] every Saturday morning if you want to stop by.”

Third - You can invite random people to this throughout the week. Have someone who keeps trying to connect with you, but you aren’t quite sure you want to invest the energy? Have someone you want to get close to, but aren’t sure you are ready for a full 1:1 hangout?

And fourth - and this is the part I love most - it takes the burden off everyone. You’re not waiting around hoping someone will show up. You’re not disappointed if they don’t. You’re just… living your life and leaving the door open for connection.

More Low-Pressure Connection Ideas

Cathy’s idea got me thinking about all the other ways we can create these casual, no-pressure opportunities for friendship:

• Porch Hangouts - Just you, a book, your front porch, cup of coffee, and an open invitation for people to stop by on Friday Evenings.
• Park Hangouts - “I’ll be at [specific park] every Saturday at 9am with my dog/book/coffee. Join me if you want!”
• After-Class Coffee - “I’m always grabbing coffee next door after Saturday’s workout class. Come find me if you’re free.”
• Open House Hangouts - Pick one evening a month where your door is just… open. People can drop by, stay for five minutes or three hours (BTW - I have an entire blog post about open house hangouts with invite scripts, planning guide, how to handle food and more. Check out the open house hangout guide here.)
• Work Date Office Hours - “I’m working from [coffee shop/coworking space] every Tuesday. (Could even do this with coworkers every Tuesday.) Bring your laptop if you want company.”
• WFH Fridays - “Come work from my house on the first Friday of every month. We’ll do work sprints with a lunchtime hangout and a couple of hang out breaks.”

The beauty of all these? You’re doing something you’d do anyway. You’re just making it social-optional instead of social-required.

Take This Further

• Check out all my tips and tricks for hosting an Open House Hangout.
• Tune into Episode 52 - Why Simple Neighborhood Gatherings Are Important (and How to Pull One Off) with Erin Woodruff​

💬 Let’s Talk About It

I’m so curious - have you tried anything like this? Or does one of these ideas spark something for your situation?

Maybe you’re thinking “but what if nobody shows up?” (Totally valid fear.) Or “what if TOO many people show up?” (Also valid.) Drop your concerns below and let’s talk them out.

Respond and let me know

• Already do this? What is your version? Drop it below so people have more inspiration!
• Because here’s the thing… we’re all out here trying to figure out how to maintain and build friendships as adults. And sometimes the best connections happen when we stop trying so hard and just… make space.

BTW - Remember, this doesn’t have to be weekly! This could be monthly or quarterly. It could be a book reading weekend at your house once a year and people can stop by. The sky is the limit.

Because here’s the thing… we’re all out here trying to figure out how to maintain and build friendships as adults. And sometimes the best connections happen when we stop trying so hard and just… make space.

Got a connection win or an ugh to share? Send it my way! Your stories are what make this community special.

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