There's this weird societal standoff happening where we're all aware we need more in-person human interaction, to rekindle human connection, and to build genuine friendships and healthy communities, but as soon as it leaves the realm of abstract thought we all collectively shrug our shoulders and go "I dunno, hope someone figures out how to do that."
And, man, this whole "I'll be in on the community as soon as it exists" mentality is just not how community works. I mean, it's blatantly not. I get it. We're all tired, we're in a low trust culture. People are messy and not always easy to get along with. Trust me, I get it. But at the same time we can't constantly be yearning for more and never acting in an attempt to make that change. Or I guess we can if we're actually content for there to never be any change.
Yeah, meeting up with your friends once a week is, sometimes, a bummer. Sometimes you want to just spend Friday evening doing nothing. You're exhausted, you've had a shit day, you don't have the energy to be personable. Do it anyway. Go be exhausted with company, and let your friend be exhausted in your company.
Make clubs, go on hikes, get into TTRPGs, go to the bar if you can afford it, have dinner parties, pick up board games, play Smash Bros on the couch.
I dunno man, I keep seeing posts and comments of unanimous consent that we're all very lonely. Tons of people in one digital space all shouting for friends. Why not make friends with each other? Start a discord, start talking, share weird memes, play some video games, have discord movie nights. It's not the same but it's a start. Who knows where that can lead?
Anyway, just some thoughts. As the guy who's weirdly always the glue of the friend group, it can be tiring at times but it's usually worth it. Maybe the discord will die, maybe nobody will join. Close the server and try again. Maybe friend night will be pushed to every two weeks. Maybe once a month. Keep it going. Expand it. Be welcoming. Give it a try.
