Don’t be

strangers

fighting adult loneliness

our mission is to create spaces that foster deep, purposeful conversations and connections

by providing thoughtful resources and events for the curious and creative.

join our community

it’s as easy as showing up for an event

or host an event with us?

Convo night was amazing, and I was reminded by how great meeting new people

can be sometimes. It was my first time. I was looking for events in the area to do with my friend who is VERY extroverted and I felt like this was right up her alley. I was a bit nervous be I'm a bit more introverted but I came out loving it.

I got to hear an episode of the podcast right before we went into the event. I really enjoyed hearing you talk about your perspective, so when I heard you had a book out I felt it was only right to get in on it!

— merlyn (conversation game night attendee))

podcast

we share the stories of everyday people

most podcasts invite guests with accolades, but we believe there is something to be learned from anyone

This year's intention was to seek connections that would inspire me, and I have always found it difficult finding the 'right' people or community. I'm finding that the people that are attracted to Don't Be Strangers, have been really down to earth, likeminded, and creative. I also feel safe connecting with the people it brings in. 🙂 My closest friends here now all know about this platform and it has inspired me greatly to be more open, adventurous, and courageous to reach out & explore new stories + bonds.

I know I'll say it again and again, but thank you for creating this space. My life would not feel as full as it is today without getting to talk to you, join your pen pal exchange & podcast, and the people your platform has brought together.

— April (Community Pen Paler, Podcast Guest: EP29)

our

book

as part of our mission to create a global sense of belonging, we wrote this book to help you

(not just introverts):

Like a warm hug from an old friend 10000/10 would recommend - An incredibly special book tackling the importance of our social health and building meaningful connections with laid out steps that is easy to follow! Beautifully written in a way that is easy to relate and connect with.

Being a hardcore introvert and struggling with social anxiety all my life, reading this gave a lot hope and encouragement and it felt like I was getting advice from a wise friend! The author provided a mix of their own personal journey that is relatable even with my own different experiences as well as bringing attention to the effects of mental/social health with research, as well as very though-provoking questions and tips throughout. This book was a very rewarding read that left me feeling understood and motivated! Highly recommend this to anyone!

— M (Review of “how to talk to anyone for introverts”)

convo cards

skip the small talk! use our double-sided 48 cards (affirmations + conversations) to deepen your relationships!

play in groups or journal your answers by yourself!

friends

honestly,

we’re most active on instagram @dontbestrangers, but you can catch us on spotify and youtube as well!

to get the lastest updates

stay in touch

origin story

hi! i’m xinyi

I was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 🇲🇾 and moved with my family to Dallas, Texas 🤠 at the age of 7. My first couple of years in school were a huge struggle. English was not my first language and entering 2nd grade after skipping almost a year of school due to the move made making friends quite difficult. But even after learning English,

I never felt quite at home... anywhere.

1. Culturally, I wasn’t fully American, but when my family and I visited Malaysia, I was painfully aware that I didn’t quite belong there either. 😩
   
2. When it came to my passions, I could never make up my mind on a specific creative outlet or medium to hone — not because of indecisiveness (ok, maybe a little bit), but because I find joy in the process of learning, remixing, and over-complicating mixed-media projects. But before I found pride in calling myself a creative chimera, I was hopelessly lost in how to identify my art and therefore myself. 🙈
   
3. Being aromantic meant that I couldn’t relate to 99% of the stories represented in pop culture. ❤️‍🩹
   

​

In short, I thought I was an alien. 👽 (After all, surely you’re not human if can’t understand such a basic human experience such as romantic love, right?) And I think, partially because I didn’t care for romantic love, I dearly longed for platonic love — AKA friends.

​

With every friend that I’ve found (who listened to me wholeheartedly and confided in me sincerely), I began to feel less and less alien and more and more at home on Earth. 🌎

I began to feel like I belonged.

This is why I’m so passionate about connecting people.

I know what it feels like to feel alone.

​

And that’s why you matter.

Because your existence validates someone else’s.