5 Comments
User's avatar
Joel Mathis's avatar

Something I don't get into: I went into a Mennonite college, where drinking and premarital sex were against the rules. (I know, I know. I've changed.) So one of the ways we entertained ourselves was to take over a common room and watch movies together. It was the way I learned to socialize.

Expand full comment
Joel Mathis's avatar

Something else I should mention: Was probably inspired by Sarah Grey, who had my family over for "Friday Night Meatballs" when we all lived in Philly a decade ago.

https://www.seriouseats.com/simpler-entertaining-friday-night-dinners-end-loneliness-how-to-build-community-after-having-kids

Expand full comment
Russell Arben Fox's avatar

This is a wonderful idea, Joel, and frankly an inspiration to me; Melissa and I were never deeply social, but we did, at one time, have at least semi-regular gatherings with friends at our house (and since, like you, I was raised it--and still at least partly adhere to--a religiously conservative environment, hanging out without drinks but with food, movies, murder mystery games, etc., was pretty normalized), and I've thought for a while that we really need to get back to that, especially now with the house emptier than ever. I appreciate learning about this encouraging example; I hope you can keep it up!

Expand full comment
Jim Paulus's avatar

What time? :)

Expand full comment
Joel Mathis's avatar

Coming to Lawrence? You’re invited!

Expand full comment