As I got older, something started to shift.

My close friends, my people, began to move away. Some started families. Some got busy. Some I still talk to all the time. But the reality is, we don’t hang out in person anymore.

And suddenly, even though I had friendships, I didn’t have community.

I’d go to events, I’d meet people. Acquaintances. Friendly faces.
But forming real connection? The kind where you actually feel seen? That took so much more. More time. More context. More vulnerability than most spaces allow.

One day I thought—what if someone created something on purpose?

Not a dating event.
Not a networking thing.
Just a space to make new friends.
To meet your people.

That’s where New Haven IRL came from.

It’s a new kind of gathering space for adults who are craving connection—but don’t always know where to find it.

We haven’t hosted our first event yet, but here’s what I can tell you:

New Haven IRL is for people who want something real.
Something safe. Thoughtful. Opt-in.
The kind of environment where you don’t have to be charming or extroverted or interesting on command.

Just human.

We’ll do things like storytelling circles, walk-and-talks, creative prompts, zine nights, slow mixers, and themed connection salons. Every event is structured to make connection easier—and not in a forced-fun kind of way. In a “you don’t have to be the brave one” kind of way.

Because it shouldn’t be this hard to find friendship.
And yet—it is. For a lot of us.

So this is my attempt to do something about it.

If you’ve ever said “I wish I had more people in my life who just get it”...
this space is for you.

If you’ve ever been to an event, had some nice chats, and still left feeling alone...
this space is for you.

If you’ve ever thought “I miss making new friends”...
this space is for you.

And if some part of you is wondering
“Could I go to something like this?”
The answer is already yes.

Because we’re not meant to go through life half-connected.
We’re meant to gather. In Real Life.