Friendship IRL: Real Talk About Friendship, Community, and What It Actually Takes

How to Stop Dreading Parties and Take Charge of Your Guest Experience


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If you’re somebody who dreads going to a party, then this episode is for you.

Sometimes the couch feels more appealing than going out into the world and socializing, and I get it. Attending a gathering takes energy. Sometimes it feels awkward. But gatherings can also make us feel inspired and supported and invigorated.

Today I offer an approach that will help you take charge of your guest experience with three simple questions. You can ask yourself these questions before you leave, while you’re driving, or even on your way inside. It’s that easy.

My hope is that this episode helps more gatherings feel like time well-spent – and that, consequently, you’ll want to say yes to more invitations in the future, too.


In this episode you’ll hear about:

  • Why do we like being invited? What feeling do we think a gathering will offer? And why do we sometimes feel dread on the day of?
  • What the very best gatherings can provide: a shift in momentum, a feeling of relief, a connection made, something learned
  • How to take charge of our guest experiences and create moments of meaning by asking three simple questions
  • Remembering that we don’t always know what will happen – and that sometimes the most unexpected gatherings can actually be the most impactful


Resources & Links:

Read The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. It’s amazing!

Like what you hear? Visit my website, leave me a voicemail, and follow me on Instagram and TikTok!

Want to take this conversation a step further? Send this episode to a friend. Tell them you found it interesting and use what we just talked about as a conversation starter the next time you and your friend hang out!

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Friendship IRL: Real Talk About Friendship, Community, and What It Actually TakesBy Alex Alexander

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