“I sat in the car for ten minutes before getting out. I could see the group from afar — they were laughing, they looked like they'd known each other for years. I was thinking of starting the engine and driving back home.”
Nikos, 27, moved to Athens from Ioannina in 2025. His friends stayed behind, his colleagues had their own lives, and the weekends started to weigh on him.
The message that changed the weekend
“I found the page by accident, through a reel. It said 'come as you are, even if you don't know anyone — especially if you don't know anyone'. That 'especially' convinced me. I booked a seat on Thursday night; on Saturday I was at the event.”
“As soon as I walked up, someone stood and shook my hand. 'You must be Nikos!' By the time I sat down, I already knew three names. The anxiety lasted two minutes in total.”
Loneliness convinces you that you're the only one feeling it. Your first event proves it was lying.
One year later
Today Nikos is one of the people who welcome the newcomers. “I know exactly how they feel as they approach the table. That's why I stand up first.”
If you recognize yourself in this story, the next event is closer than you think. Check our upcoming meetups — your seat is waiting.