It香蕉视频直播檚 not therapy. It香蕉视频直播檚 not a lecture. It香蕉视频直播檚 just a table, a drink, and the kind of conversation you didn香蕉视频直播檛 know you were missing.
A new initiative called Let香蕉视频直播檚 Talk Live is quietly making waves in Victoria, inviting strangers to sit down and talk 香蕉视频直播 no strings, no pressure 香蕉视频直播 at Spinnakers Brewpub every Tuesday afternoon.
From 12 to 2 p.m., anyone can walk in, grab a seat with one or two others, and start talking. Conversation prompts are provided, but the flow is organic.
The idea is simple: eye contact, shared stories, and maybe a laugh over lunch.
For organizer Jennie Keeran, it香蕉视频直播檚 about more than small talk.
香蕉视频直播淭he idea has been in my mind for a long time,香蕉视频直播 she said. 香蕉视频直播淚 noticed the City香蕉视频直播檚 report on safety and well-being, and it just clicked 香蕉视频直播 when a community is more connected, crime goes down. Some studies say up to 40 per cent.香蕉视频直播
Keeran says the group isn香蕉视频直播檛 just for lonely people, though it certainly welcomes them. It香蕉视频直播檚 for anyone looking to engage, listen, and take part in something that feels increasingly rare: real-life connection.
香蕉视频直播淲e really want to reach out to young men and get them together with older men,香蕉视频直播 she said. 香蕉视频直播淭hat香蕉视频直播檚 an area that香蕉视频直播檚 really needed.香蕉视频直播
What makes Let香蕉视频直播檚 Talk Live different is its flexibility. It's free, with no long-term commitment.
香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 like going to the theatre or a park bench,香蕉视频直播 Keeran said. 香蕉视频直播淭otally voluntary. But meaningful.香蕉视频直播
She also sees potential beyond the walls of Spinnakers.
Keeran is collecting signatures on a petition, hoping the City will one day adopt the model. If that happens, she envisions restaurants citywide welcoming diners to connect with others over a meal 香蕉视频直播 and no one ever having to eat alone again.
Victoria councillor Matt Dell called loneliness 香蕉视频直播渁 growing social issue香蕉视频直播 and praised the initiative for encouraging real-world connection.
香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 wonderful to see any initiatives aimed at building community, making connections, and breaking down the social divides that seem to be growing online," Dell said. "I香蕉视频直播檇 like to come down and join this event this summer and help build connections between residents and local councillors."
Modern neuroscience backs up connection 'therapy'.
Eye contact and conversation can trigger oxytocin, endorphins, dopamine and serotonin 香蕉视频直播 all known to regulate mood and reduce stress. In some cases, regular social interaction can even help grow new heart muscle cells.
香蕉视频直播淚t helps you feel better,香蕉视频直播 Keeran said. 香蕉视频直播淚t heals wounds. It香蕉视频直播檚 good for the body, and for the city.香蕉视频直播
Let香蕉视频直播檚 Talk Live runs Tuesdays through Aug. 26 at Spinnakers Brewpub in Victoria from 12 to 2 p.m. Those interested are asked to sign up .