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Atlantean Baller's avatar

Something I wish someone told me was that was that you, 🫵 the person reading the internet for social advice, need to be the one making some kind of first move, whether it’s initiating conversation, asking to hang, or even setting up some group or event yourself. I organized a meetup for my internet friends and had a great time, and I met my girlfriend at a housewarming party I planned. As a generation, we’ve elevated being turned down to the worst possible kind of social disaster when it’s actually a massive weight off your chest. And if they were legitimately busy or shy, then it signals to them that you’re down for something when they’re available.

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steph :)'s avatar

love this. it’s so easy to slip into the “if they don’t try with me, i won’t try with them” mentality, but that line of thinking will strip you of so many cool opportunities. why not just put it all out there and see what sticks 🤷‍♀️

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Lou Caltabiano's avatar

Great advice and a great read, as always! The one piece of advice that I have to add is just an addition to one of yours — don’t be afraid to be cringe. I literally don’t even know if this is something that Gen Z folks actually say or care about, but we old millennials hear that “the young people say we’re cringe,” so I’m going with it.

I constantly meet people who feel weird about sharing some of their personal interests that may be viewed as uncool, but who cares what’s cool? Just do your thing, like what you like, and I can speak from personal experience that most people will respond positively to your passion, even if they don’t know or care about it themselves.

To summarize my longwinded response: being genuine goes a long, long way.

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caroline's avatar

Thanks for this!!

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Daniela - Feral Femme's avatar

Outstanding. Not just for Gen z - for lots of adults in my neurodivergent circles. Thanks for writing something actionable!

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thehourbeforesunset's avatar

This found me at the perfect time and everything you said is absolutely true. I’ve been thinking a lot about living actively recently, and this hits on every single point. Fake it till you make it but enjoy the person you are “fake” being because they’re still you.

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steph :)'s avatar

i’m glad you enjoyed 💞

and yes to liking the person you are while you’re becoming the person you want to be!!

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Meagan Rochard's avatar

These are great! I too was painfully shy growing up (smol bean hive rise up!), but it’s so freeing once you stop trying to be mysterious and embrace over sharing. 💖

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sav's avatar

(kiss)in’ love the small talk point. i dont dislike small talk but everyone seems to and if you hate it so much u should simply take the insane route.

also id be an archer, think foxes are sick and pick trump 3x (im not gay and dont think he’s attractive in any way but he’ll probably hate the idea of it more than me)

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Madeline's avatar

I think this is great advice and also applicable to other generations, not just Gen Z. I am a painfully introverted Millennial and this entire list is everything I aspire to do. After the pandemic, I became even more introverted and this is a great reminder that life is worth living if I just gave a little.

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Sarah's avatar

This is so accurate and well written! Praise to our fearless Gen Z leader

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Elizabeth Burtman's avatar

I love this. ❤️

May I shamelessly self-promote my mini-newsletter The Analog Invitation? I send out a weekly prompt as a gentle nudge toward grass-touching.

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Em Vernem's avatar

This is brilliant

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thothpress's avatar

Pic reminds me of my trapper keeper folders in 3rd grade. We millennials knew how to live.

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Raihaan's avatar

Splendid thread brethren 🔥

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Nicole Ilana's avatar

So good and true

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artfulkwe's avatar

this is a great read, very insightful definitely going to put this into practice

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Jo's avatar

Mom's were right: we have to live laugh love. Great read!

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Christiana-Simon's avatar

so good <3

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