I am a world class hermit.

Getting me to leave my house for any type of social engagement requires a carefully coordinated campaign of encouragement, a serious pep talk, a written agenda and the promise that I can leave early.

But in the spirit of The Analog Life Project I am prepared to bravely face my social anxieties and venture out among the humans. All in the name of science! :)

When I think about my original intentions for the analog life project one of the things that mattered most to me was being more intentional about spending time with other humans doing human things.

I wanted more human connection but what does this actually mean? How do I make gathering with friends more a part of my life rather than something I keep saying I should do more often. 

As a serious introvert I know the strange tug-of-war between wanting to be with people and wanting to be left alone in my house forever. :) I love my friends! But even when it's people I adore, there's a part of me that would happily cancel everything, put on my comfiest sweatpants, and call it a night.

But I also know that some of my happiest moments happen when I make the effort to show up. The conversations, the I'm-going-to-pee-my-pants belly laughs, the moments that would never happen if I'd stayed home. I never regret spending time with my friends even if getting myself out the door is an entirely different story!

So when I finally psych myself up to host a gathering what do I do? I (rather comically) overcomplicate everything: 

Want to get together with friends? Obviously we'll host a fully costumed murder mystery dinner party, complete with handmade props, a themed buffet, bespoke cocktails, and character backstories that require a detailed spreadsheet. 

A casual movie night? Ooh let's build a snack menu inspired my the film and design the cutest invitations, and spend three hours researching the perfect vintage popcorn bowls.

And then somewhere around hour five of planning, I decide the whole thing sounds too exhausting and cancel it in favor of doing what we always do, watch TV alone.

I suspect I'm not the only one who takes something simple and accidentally makes the whole thing so intimidating that we never get around to it.

I have to remind myself that gathering doesn't have to be an EVENT! I don't need a spotless house, an elaborate menu or a personality transplant to make simple gatherings happen. Just need a few people, something to do and a willingness to open the door.

Which brings me to my latest cards!  In the spirit of analog connection, I made three new cards for The Analog Life Project! 

Think of them as a little inspiration for your next gathering. Keep it simple or go delightfully overboard if that's your thing (I see you fellow over-planners)

The best part? You actually MAIL THEM. Like in the actual mail. As in you put a stamp on the envelope and mail it through the actual postal service. When was the last time you received an invitation to a gathering (other than a wedding or graduation) In your mailbox? It's delightfully old-fashioned. So analog, right? :) 

I hope they inspire you to gather your people a little more often, make something, play something, watch something, and enjoy a little more time together.

Now go invite someone over. And if you do, tell me what you're planning. I'd love to hear about it.

If you're reading this on my blog you can hop on over to be part of the conversation on Substack.

This Post Is Part of The Analog Life Project