This is an issue of The Wonder Reader, a magazine in which our editors recommend a set of stories to pique your curiosity and delight you. Register here get it every saturday morning.
As the weather gets nicer, most of us feel attractive just hanging out. We want to sit outside with friends and drink, go for long walks in the morning and catch, enjoy the night air. But where to go, with whom? Modern life is filled with “initiations that are too expensive for the average American or that seem to be designed not to want to hesitate,” Allie Conti wrote in 2022. “Think carefully of dive bars that serve $15 beer and shot specials, or parks like New York’s High Line that are designed to be moved linearly.”
Conti makes the point of finding a “third place”—an informal place for conversation and meeting new people that doesn’t require spending a lot of money. If you find it but don’t have anyone to go with, don’t be afraid to go in alone. Conti did, and was glad to stumble upon a good hangout, almost like it was waiting for him.
On hanging out
Do yourself a favor and go find the ‘Third Chance’
By Allie Conti
We need physical spaces for unproductive, unproductive conversations. (From 2022)
What Adults Forget About Friendship
By Rhaina Cohen
Just catching it can feel awful. Playing and wasting time together like children do is how you make memories. (From 2023)
The Six Forces That Motivate Friendship
By Julie Beck
I’ve spent over three years interviewing friends for “The Friendship Files.” This is what I have learned. (From 2022)
Still Curious?
Other detours
PS
I recently asked readers to share a photo of something that makes them wonder in the world. Debi R. from Sorrento, Florida, sent in this photo of a sunset in Siesta Key, Florida. “While I was photographing the sunset, a group of pelicans happened by, wandering around and enjoying the cool evening. A group of three seagulls are on the sand, reminding me of the watchmen.”
I will continue to focus on your responses in the coming weeks.
— Isabel
