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Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, you might be selective about who's on the guest list of any shindig you happen to be hosting. This could be due to the cost of inviting a bunch of people or you might have concerns about whether guests will mesh with one another.
But there’s an emerging trend that might help offset all the loneliness and isolation that has become so common in our modern society.
Identifying the upside
Although it might seem strange to extend an open invitation — perhaps even including total strangers — to a gettogether, that’s exactly what some folks are doing these days. And after they get through the initial awkwardness that comes with violating preconceived norms, the benefits soon start to become apparent.
Formal studies and anecdotal evidence reveal a few common advantages to opening up a party to pretty much anyone who wants to attend.
- You’ll probably find that more people get along with each other than you thought.
- The mix of disparate groups can lead to more engaging and interesting conversations.
- Hosts and guests can reconnect with people they haven’t seen in a long time.
As psychology professor Lara Aknin explained: “People are much more reluctant to reach out to old friends than they should be. It’s surprisingly hard to get people to move the needle on this.”
Some things to consider
Before you start sending out your RSVPs, be sure you have the right space and activities planned for a large group. An intimate game night, for example, probably isn’t the right venue.
It’s also good to invite folks from various demographics so specific individuals don’t feel conspicuous. And don’t forget to communicate expectations, such as COVID precautions.
But with a little planning, you can pull off an event that everyone enjoys.
