we probably all can think of someone that is just so darn easy to talk to. let’s take a bird’s view of what makes people easy to talk to and how we can practice

Blog, Make Friends as an Adult, Social ConnectionErin PenpraseJune 14, 2026meet new people, make friends as an adult, meet people in your 20s, meet people in your 30s, how to make friends, meet people without bars, social events for meeting people, structured social events, conversation events Comment

How to Make Friends in a New City When You Don’t Know Anyone

all alone in the big city? whether it’s first of fiftieth move, our principles for connection can help you make friends and build a well rounded life.

Blog, Make Friends as an Adult, Social ConnectionErin PenpraseJune 7, 2026meet new people, make friends as an adult, meet people in your 20s, meet people in your 30s, how to make friends, meet people without bars, social events for meeting people, structured social events, conversation events Comment

Why So Many Good Relationships Start With Friendship

you know those couples and throuples that just emerge from nowhere out of concerts and video game nights? yeah. friendship can really start off those romantic connections - and keeps them durable.

Blog, Make Friends as an Adult, Social ConnectionErin PenpraseMay 31, 2026meet new people, make friends as an adult, meet people in your 20s, meet people in your 30s, how to make friends, meet people without bars, social events for meeting people, structured social events, conversation eventsComment

the unexpected behavior that makes people want to know you

guest post from Rhaina Cohen on asking better questions, the vulnerability paradox, and what actually makes people want to befriend — or date — you.

Blog, Make Friends as an Adult, Social ConnectionErin PenpraseMay 24, 2026meet new people, make friends as an adult, meet people in your 20s, meet people in your 30s, how to make friends, meet people without bars, social events for meeting people, structured social events, conversation eventsComment

How to Stop Having the Same Surface-Level Conversations Over and Over

we can all end up in conversational and relational auto pilot, but there are some relatively simple tricks to getting out of the rut and into deeper connection

Blog, Make Friends as an Adult, Social ConnectionErin PenpraseMay 17, 2026meet new people, make friends as an adult, meet people in your 20s, meet people in your 30s, how to make friends, meet people without bars, social events for meeting people, structured social events, conversation events Comments

Relationship Roles: How Patterns Like the Caretaker or Peacemaker Shape Our Connections

over our lifetimes and across our relationships, we play many roles. we explore the strengths, weaknesses, and impacts of caretaker and peacemaker roles on our connections with others

Blog, Make Friends as an Adult, Social ConnectionErin PenpraseMay 10, 2026meet new people, make friends as an adult, meet people in your 20s, meet people in your 30s, how to make friends, meet people without bars, social events for meeting people, structured social events, conversation eventsComment

Men On Apps Don’t Ask Questions (Because We All Need Help to Be Vulnerable)

Skip the Small Talk’s own Ashley Kirsner sat down with Love Letters podcast to discuss the important of structure and support to make vulnerability possible.

Blog, Make Friends as an Adult, Social ConnectionErin PenpraseMay 3, 2026meet new people, make friends as an adult, meet people in your 20s, meet people in your 30s, how to make friends, meet people without bars, social events for meeting people, structured social events, conversation events Comment

Why It’s So Hard to Turn Acquaintances Into Actual Friends (and What Helps)

the little things in life - and our own tendency to hang back - can make it hard to turn our acquaintances into real friends. but just like growing orchids, we can take the right tools and right conditions, and grow something beautiful.

Blog, Make Friends as an Adult, Social ConnectionErin PenpraseApril 26, 2026meet new people, make friends as an adult, meet people in your 20s, meet people in your 30s, how to make friends, meet people without bars, social events for meeting people, structured social events, conversation eventsComment

How to Go to Social Events Alone (Without Feeling Awkward)

our sense of awkwardness can hold us back from going out to social events on our own. Here are some strategies to try to get yourself out the door

Blog, Make Friends as an Adult, Social ConnectionErin PenpraseApril 19, 2026meet new people, make friends as an adult, meet people in your 20s, meet people in your 30s, how to make friends, meet people without bars, social events for meeting people, structured social events, conversation eventsComment

Where to Meet New People in Your 20s and 30s (That Aren’t Just Bars)

It’s surprisingly hard to meet people in your 20s and 30s—especially if bars aren’t your thing. Here are some options that make it a lot easier.

Blog, Make Friends as an Adult, Social ConnectionDavid ZouApril 12, 2026meet new people, make friends as an adult, meet people in your 20s, meet people in your 30s, how to make friends, meet people without bars, social events for meeting people, structured social events, conversation eventsComment

Skip the Small Talk Featured in The Seattle Times: A Better Way to Meet New People in Seattle — and Beyond

Curious about Skip the Small Talk but not sure what to expect? Recently featured in The Seattle Times, we break down how our Seattle events help adults meet new people through structured, meaningful conversation.

BlogDavid ZouMarch 2, 2026Skip the Small Talk Seattle, Meet New People, make new friend, make friends in seattle, Seattle EventsComment

Scripts for Reaching Out to Someone You’ve Lost Touch With

Lost touch with someone you care about? Here are gentle, low-pressure scripts to help you reconnect with warmth and ease.

BlogMatt BrooksAugust 25, 2025connection, craving connection, friendships, reconnection, conversation starters, conversation tips Comment

Bridging Generations: Conversation Starters That Work for Any Age

Ever find yourself sitting across from someone decades older or younger, not sure what to say? Intergenerational conversations can feel intimidating—but they can also be some of the most rewarding exchanges you’ll ever have. In our latest post, we share simple, age-agnostic conversation starters designed to spark genuine connection and uncover common ground. Whether it’s at a family gathering, in the workplace, or at a community event, these prompts can help you skip the small talk and dive into stories, laughter, and wisdom.

BlogMatt BrooksAugust 18, 2025conversation starters, conversation, age, age gap Comment

Digital Burnout vs. Digital Bonding: How to Tell the Difference (And What to Do About It)

Feeling drained after scrolling but still disconnected? Discover how to tell the difference between digital burnout and digital bonding—and how to find real connection online.