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meeting people

Joy

Man challenges 'new neighbor' to a Nerf gun war, and their battles are so wholesome

Now that's a creative way to get to know your neighbors…

Photo by Kolby Milton on Unsplash

Challenge your neighbors to a Nerf duel and see what happens.

Moving into a new neighborhood or a new building can be daunting. Getting used to a new space, meeting new people, growing accustomed to the vibe or culture of the neighborhood—it can feel like a lot, especially if people don't reach out in a welcoming way.

But as a viral video on Reddit/MadeMeSmile shows, sometimes a warm welcome could actually be a war welcome…with Nerf guns, that is.

In footage from a Ring camera on the front door of an apartment, we see a man in the hallway holding a Nerf gun. He says, "I notice you just moved in. The guy that used to live here, him and I were big into Nerf."

He then holds up the Nerf gun, saying, "I'm gonna leave it. Don't feel any pressure, but if you want to, hey." Then he laughs as he sets the gun down in front of the door.

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neighbors

Family

What a guy with social anxiety wants you to know about inviting him to a party.

Here’s what helps (and what doesn’t) when going out.

Dear friends,

First of all, let me explain what it feels like to be me, a guy with social anxiety.

Picture a scene that fills you with gut-clenching dread. A dark alley at night maybe. The edge of a windy cliff with no railing. A deep ocean, too dark to see what’s beneath you.

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Lynn Johnson first discovered the legendary turtle hat after a painful slog through Purgatory in 1996.

Purgatory Resort in Colorado, that is, where Johnson was skiing with friends and ended up tearing his ACL on the slopes.

But on that fateful night, as he hobbled his way to dinner, he saw the green, shell-patterned flatcap shining like a beacon in the gift shop. So of course he plopped it on his head right then and there.

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meeting people

Now that's a creative way to get to know your neighbors…

There are few greater thrills than meeting someone amazing for the first time. So much happens in those first few moments.

1. They may not be able to see you, but first impressions still matter.

2. Scent is important.

3. Sound is too.

4. Spontaneity is fun, but dating is often easier for blind people when they can plan ahead.

5. Don't write off activities like going to movies or the theater. There are apps and tools for that.

6. Open communication is key to any relationship — and asking questions is OK.

7. Don't diminish the relationship between a blind person and their guide dog.

8. They don't need a savior or a servant.

9. Blind people date using a lot of the same tools and apps you do — though nothing beats meeting in person.

10. Relationships matter because we're people and we matter.

There are few greater thrills than meeting someone amazing for the first time. So much happens in those first few moments.

1. They may not be able to see you, but first impressions still matter.

2. Scent is important.

3. Sound is too.

4. Spontaneity is fun, but dating is often easier for blind people when they can plan ahead.

5. Don't write off activities like going to movies or the theater. There are apps and tools for that.

6. Open communication is key to any relationship — and asking questions is OK.

7. Don't diminish the relationship between a blind person and their guide dog.

8. They don't need a savior or a servant.

9. Blind people date using a lot of the same tools and apps you do — though nothing beats meeting in person.

10. Relationships matter because we're people and we matter.

Here’s what helps (and what doesn’t) when going out.

First of all, let me explain what it feels like to be me, a guy with social anxiety.

Think about how those scenes make you feel. That’s the same feeling I get in social situations.

Having social anxiety isn't the same as being an introvert. It's also not the same as having low self-esteem or being shy or no fun.

You know me, so you know I’ve got a healthy sense of self-esteem.

My "night out" actually starts days in advance, when I first hear about the plans you’re making.

By the time we go out, I’m waging all-out war against an army of vague and specific fears.

The thing is, I love having adventures with you! I love seeing new places. I love catching up with people I haven’t talked to in years.

You know what would help me most of all? Two things: consistency and low pressure.

Lynn Johnson first discovered the legendary turtle hat after a painful slog through Purgatory in 1996.

The hat soon became his trademark accessory. He wore it on vacations and on his days off. He found it bestowed him with an almost magical sense of delight.

But the more he wore the hat with cheerful powers, the more it wore out.

After two decades of turtle-hatted-happiness, the future was looking bleak and hatless for Lynn Johnson — until a brilliant plan broke through the shell of his mind.

Of course, a great power like the turtle hat also comes with great responsibility, and Johnson makes it clear that ownership is a commitment.

Yes, the turtle hat is a little corny. But it's Johnson's genuine sincerity that makes his story so endearing.

I recently called a random 27-year-old Swedish dude. Let me explain.

I'm a 24-year-old from New York City. He's a 27-year-old from Gothenburg, Sweden. And we had a surprising amount in common.

That cultural difference aside, we decided to discuss our weekend plans.

Then conversation turned to life in our respective big cities.

My conversation with Rasmus lasted 25 minutes, and the similarities kept on coming up.

In the end, I realized something pretty amazing.