Third spaces are, I think, an important part of society. It provides an avenue for hearing other opinions and getting outside the echo chamber.

Is the bar or a church the best place to hear or share a dissenting opinion?

No, but no two people agree on entirely everything so a bit of discussion helps people see that it’s ok not to sycophantically repeat what their influencer hero says.

In 2010 did people meet through their online friends?

I don’t think there’s a “right” way, people adapt to how our society functions. Proud to be part of the few at the beginning of the red line, met on Q-Link and we’re still together, so it can work. I would say “online” should be broken into separate lines, as there’s different ways to meet online, and some of them let you interact and “know” a person better than others, like dating apps (which also existed before the internet!)

I was about to disagree as the last couple of women I’ve gone home with I’ve met at the bar.

Then I remembered that “oh yeah, those were one night stands, not coupling. Last couple of relationships definitely started on the apps.”

BUT, I will say that at least three couples (one has recently graduated to marriage!) on my various soccer teams met on the team or through team friends. So there’s still sort of hope!

I met my partner at the dog park. I had just moved back to the city and she had just started taking her puppy to the park. My dog is 8 years older than her dog.

We didn’t know until months later but she started going at the same time so she would see me and I was going at the same time so I would see her. We’ve been together for nearly 9 years.

Some third spaces are very specialized for certain activities but that is a bonus because something like a dog park means you already have common interest.

Oh fuck

Meet = tinder date. Which means you have to look good or not get the chance to meet a woman at all.

Who has friends? lol