Skip the Small Talk
Home Shop FAQ
Book a Private Event Newsletter Event Info Blog Get Involved Contact
About Us Testimonials The Science Accessibility & Safety
All Austin Baltimore Boston Boulder Bristol Charlotte Chicago Connecticut Detroit Durham Edinburgh Kansas City London Los Angeles Nashville New Hampshire New York City Paris Philadelphia Portland (ME) Portland (OR) Providence San Diego San Francisco Seattle Washington DC Online
HomeShop Connect Book a Private Event Newsletter Event Info Blog Get Involved Contact About About Us Testimonials The Science Accessibility & Safety FAQ
Skip the Small Talk
Skip the Small Talk events help strangers really get to know each other using methods grounded in psychology research.
Find Events All Austin Baltimore Boston Boulder Bristol Charlotte Chicago Connecticut Detroit Durham Edinburgh Kansas City London Los Angeles Nashville New Hampshire New York City Paris Philadelphia Portland (ME) Portland (OR) Providence San Diego San Francisco Seattle Washington DC Online

TIPS, STORIES, AND insPiration

to help you Skip the Small Talk in your everyday life


Crank Up the (Queer) Tunes: A Pride Playlist
Crank Up the (Queer) Tunes: A Pride Playlist

From old school gay anthems to the Billboard Hot 100, check out these dance floor-ready tunes to add to your queue.

Read More
BlogGuest UserJune 9, 2025LGBTQ, lgbt, lgbtqia, fun, music, music recs, playlist
Resources for Celebrating Pride
Resources for Celebrating Pride

Over the years, we at Skip the Small Talk have compiled activities, advice, LGBTQ+ friendship guides, book recommendations, Q&As, and more to help you celebrate the Pride Month STST style.

Read More
Allison ScharmannJune 2, 2025Comment
How to Make Conversation Like a Pro
How to Make Conversation Like a Pro

Is conversing causing you stress? You are far from the only one.

Read More
BlogAllison ScharmannMay 23, 2025conversation, conversation tips, how to have conversations, conversational anxiety, conversation starters, socializing, social anxietyComment
10 Questions to Ask Your Parents
10 Questions to Ask Your Parents

When it comes to the people we see as caretakers, it’s easy for a one-sided dynamic to set in: They ask. You answer.

Read More
BlogAllison ScharmannMay 18, 2025conversation starters, conversation, skip the small talk, family, holidays, relationships, how to talk to family, how to connect with family, icebreakers for your loved ones, icebreakers for your family Comment
Ditch the Dating Fatigue
Ditch the Dating Fatigue

Ditch that dating fatigue and get ready to put the “life” back in love life.

Read More
BlogAllison ScharmannMay 10, 2025dating, dating advice, romance, connection, relationships, dating questions, speed datingComment
5 Tips for Socializing When You're Socially Anxious
5 Tips for Socializing When You're Socially Anxious

Read on for more on how to put your best (social) foot forward.

Read More
BlogAllison ScharmannMay 2, 2025conversation, conversation starter, social anxiety, social anxiety reduction, socializing, conversation starters, friendship, communication, communication skillsComment
How to Get the Conversation Started
How to Get the Conversation Started

Read on for our favorite ways to skip the small talk and keep the conversation going.

Read More
BlogAllison ScharmannMay 1, 2025conversation starters, conversation, icebreakers, icebreakers for your loved ones, icebreakers that don't suck, communication, friendship, connectionComment
How to Make New Friends (And Keep the Old!)
How to Make New Friends (And Keep the Old!)

As the saying goes: Make new friends, but keep the old.

Read More
BlogAllison ScharmannApril 24, 2025friendship, friends, friendship advice, making friends, social connection, friendComment
Self-Care Resources for Tumultuous Times
Self-Care Resources for Tumultuous Times

When it feels like the world is exploding around you, it’s hard to keep things on an even keel.

Read More
BlogAllison ScharmannApril 17, 2025self care, self love, resources, self care resources, motivation, mental health, mindfulnessComment
Books, Music, and More to Brighten Your Day
Books, Music, and More to Brighten Your Day

That’s right, it’s a Skip the Small Talk recommendation masterlist!

Read More
BlogAllison ScharmannApril 10, 2025books, queer books, self-help books, book recs, music, self-help, mental health, podcasts, movies, movie recs, podcast recsComment
Why am I lonely?
Why am I lonely?

Taking the time to get to the root of those feelings just might be the key to casting them away. 

Read More
BlogAllison ScharmannApril 3, 2025loneliness, loneliness epidemic, communication, connection, friendship, social life, lonely, meaningful connection Comment
5 Daily Questions for Self Care
5 Daily Questions for Self Care

When it comes to taking care of yourself, it’s the little things that count. Here are some check-in questions to help. 

Read More
BlogAllison ScharmannMarch 27, 2025self care, motivation, self love, executive function, mental health, mindfulness, productivity, productivity hacksComment
Tips for Bad Brain Days
Tips for Bad Brain Days

Remember that bad days are bad days, not all days.

Read More
BlogAllison ScharmannMarch 20, 2025self care, motivation, mental health, mental health day, rest, restfulness, mindfulness, relaxationComment
5 Podcasts About Friendship
5 Podcasts About Friendship

You know what they say: Relationships may come and go, but friendships never will.

Read More
BlogAllison ScharmannMarch 13, 2025friendship, adult friendship, how to make friends, how to make friends as an adult, relationships, friendship advice, female friendshipComment
Affirmations for Difficult Times
Affirmations for Difficult Times

Pause, take a breath, and check in on yourself.

Read More
BlogAllison ScharmannMarch 6, 2025affirmation, affirmations, self-care, self-love, self-improvement, self-esteem, motivation, meditationComment
10 Tiny Ways to Treat Yourself
10 Tiny Ways to Treat Yourself

Give yourself a break and a pat on the back. You deserve it!

Read More
BlogAllison ScharmannFebruary 26, 2025self care, self love, treat yourself, relaxation, rest, mindfulness Comment
10 Questions to Ask Your Best Friend
10 Questions to Ask Your Best Friend

Now wave those Valentines goodbye, because it’s Valen-time to show some love to your BFFs!

Read More
BlogAllison ScharmannFebruary 19, 2025friends, friendship, conversation, conversation starters, questions, connection, meaningful questions, meaningful conversationsComment
How to Get in Touch With Your Inner Self
How to Get in Touch With Your Inner Self

Spend some time in the backstage of your brain and see what you find.

Read More
BlogAllison ScharmannFebruary 6, 2025meditation, affirmation, affirmations, inner self, manifestation, self care, self love, self help, journalingComment
Older
Man and women smiling at event

Our in-person & online events help people get closer, faster.

Our Skip the Small Talks (or STSTs) are a great place to get out of your comfort zone by opening up and connecting with strangers (or friends if you bring 'em)! We currently host in-person events in major cities in the United States and Europe as well as online events that you can attend from anywhere.

Somerville, MA 02140,
United States
ashley@skipthesmalltalk.com
Hours
Footer links
Home about Blog event info Newsletter Signup tickets

Content © 2020 Ashley Kirsner, Skip the Small Talk, LLC