Pick A Friend, Any Friend

Complete Strangers Meet In Downtown Greensboro

Do you have trouble making friends or meeting new people? If so, then I've got something for you.

Run by the Greensboro Parks & Rec, there are now groups meeting around the city for "Speed Friending"!

At the first sound of this, admittedly, I'm thinking a BIG hard-pass. But at further inspection, they may really be onto something.

With no romantic intent, they advertise this as a way for "adults to find an in-person social connection". The speed part is modeled after the similarly named dating events, where participants will take part in 5-minute conversations over the course of the half-hour session. And to get it all kicked off, the moderator yells, "Ready, set, friend!"

What's more happening than that?!?!?

Now, I won't argue that this being a city-wide event and run by a municipality, has the idea set up for instant failure. But if applied correctly -- I think the concept is onto something. Maybe just flip it to a church, a school, or a large office complex... Somewhere that a large gathering of people, already have a common similarity.

My real intrigue grows, when I start trying to think what I'd ask or want to know from others participating. In 5-minutes, what are those 'dealbreaker' questions you just have to know from a potential friend?

According to one of the Greensboro participants, he wanted to know if there was a book someone really liked or that changed their life. For me, the first questions that come to mind...

• Can you abide by the "Please leave by 9" doormat?

• Will you call, or just text?

• How do you feel about tacos?

• Dunkin, Starbucks, or local spot?

• Are you able to sit, and not feel the need to have constant conversation?

• Cake or Ice Cream?

• Have you heard of Prowled Sports?!?!?

Ready. Set. Friend!

-TBob