I consider myself an introvert. Attending a networking event at a restaurant to make small talk with strangers in hopes of making lasting connections is one of the most frightening things that I can ...

On a recent Thursday evening in downtown Washington, I took a deep breath and walked into a bar. I joined a couple dozen other women who were milling around making small talk and ordering drinks, ...

You're currently following this author! Want to unfollow? Unsubscribe via the link in your email. Follow Ash Jurberg Every time Ash publishes a story, you’ll get an alert straight to your inbox! Enter ...

On a typical day, you experience numerous fleeting exchanges with people you don’t know, often without a word: a quick smile of acknowledgement as someone holds the door, a moment of eye contact to ...

Communal dining tables are having a moment. Here's how to navigate the social dynamics without awkwardness. Last night, my husband and I decided to go out to dinner and specifically try a ...

Making new friends can feel more daunting when you're past the stages of playgrounds, school sports teams, and dorm rooms. A whopping 58 percent of American adults report being lonely. Every seven ...

When housemates Amber Fenner and Steve Knapp planned a spaghetti dinner with some friends, the 40-somethings originally hoped to have a few acquaintances over for a low-cost, low-effort evening of ...