In today’s fast-paced world, it has become increasingly challenging to break away from our usual group of friends and venture into getting to know someone new beyond work. As our lives become more intertwined with technology, the traditional ways of forming new connections seem to fade away. For a long time, my social circle remained the same, with little to no new faces. That was when I decided it was time for a change.
Discovering Timeleft
Enter Timeleft, an innovative app designed to combat the growing sense of loneliness in big cities by bringing strangers together over dinner. Launched in May 2023, Timeleft has quickly established itself as a revolutionary solution against urban loneliness. The app’s mission is simple yet powerful: to encourage people to step out of their comfort zones and connect with strangers, one dinner at a time. In just one year, Timeleft has hosted over 20,000 dinners and put more than 115,000 strangers in touch with each other across 147 cities in 25 countries. The app has truly become a global movement against loneliness.
Why I Decided to Try Timeleft
Intrigued by the idea and the success stories, I decided to download the app and give it a go. The registration process was seamless and intuitive; the app asked a series of questions to learn more about my preferences and personality, ensuring I would be matched with compatible dining companions. The questions ranged from my favourite cuisines to my hobbies and interests, and even my thoughts on various social issues. This detailed profiling is designed to uncover aspects of my character and preferences that will help in matching me with the right group of people.
Once my profile was set up, I got to choose my city from over 70 locations worldwide and book my seat at a dinner. It is amazing how the app collaborates with over 1,200 restaurants in each city, ensuring that every dining experience is not just about meeting new people but also enjoying great food and ambiance. Additionally, the dinners are scheduled every Wednesday, providing a consistent day for everyone to engage in this unique social experiment.
The Dinner Experience
On the day of my first Timeleft dinner, I waited with anticipation for the dinner venue to be revealed in the app. Adding to the experience was the glimpse I got of my fellow dinner mates prior to the event. The app provided detailed information about the group, including the industries they worked in, their nationalities, zodiac signs, and the main language spoken. This sneak peek helped ease any pre-dinner jitters and built a sense of anticipation for the evening.
In the evening, I found myself at Potato Head Singapore, an iconic venue known for its vibrant atmosphere and eclectic menu. As I walked towards the restaurant, a mix of excitement and nervousness washed over me. Meeting new people in such a setting was a novel experience. After informing the staff that I was attending Timeleft Table 1, I was led to the table where one of my dinner mates from America was waiting patiently with a beer.
The app had arranged for five of us to meet, but unfortunately, one person didn’t show up. Despite this minor hiccup, the rest of us quickly bonded over exquisite wine and delectable food. The app also thoughtfully arranged a game for us to play, which served as an excellent icebreaker. It was a fun and engaging way to get to know each other beyond the usual small talk. We shared stories, laughed over common interests, and even discovered mutual friends. By the end of the night, it felt like I had known these people for much longer than just a few hours.
Getting to Know the Locals When Travelling
As someone who loves to travel, the idea of using Timeleft to meet locals in new cities is particularly exciting. I will be heading to Munich and Budapest at the end of the year, and I can’t wait to use the app to connect with locals and truly experience the cities. Timeleft offers a unique opportunity to see a place through the eyes of its residents, providing a richer and more authentic travel experience. Knowing that I’ll be paired up with locals who share similar interests makes the prospect even more appealing.
With a strong social media presence and a dedicated following, the app has managed to create a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who value real-world connections. Its weekly newsletter reaches over 525,000 subscribers, and its social media posts engage millions, reflecting the growing interest in this novel approach to socialising.
A New Era of Socialising
In conclusion, Timeleft is more than just an app; it’s a movement towards rekindling human connections in a digital world. It offers a unique and effective way to combat loneliness, encouraging people to step out of their comfort zones and engage with others in meaningful ways. For anyone looking to enrich their social life and experience the joy of meeting new people, I highly recommend giving Timeleft a try. It’s not just about dining with strangers; it’s about rediscovering the simple yet profound pleasure of human connection.
In a world where we are more connected yet more isolated than ever, Timeleft stands out as a beacon of hope. It reminds us that sometimes, all it takes is a simple dinner to turn strangers into friends. So, if you find yourself yearning for new connections and memorable experiences, download Timeleft and say hello to a new way of socialising. You won’t regret it.
