42 Comments

an elderly woman returned her library book by setting it on the counter for the clerk (rather than throwing it quickly into the drop box isolated in the corner) and I was there too, checking out the pile my daughters had chosen. I had already read what she was returning and loved it so much I had to ask her if she did too. she had such a velvet voice when she answered, “Oh, yes!!” and we chatted a moment about “That ending!” “The mother was awful,” she said and I responded, “I know and Jeanette realized she could hate her, she didn’t have to romanticize her anymore.” that got a laugh, a knowing nod. we exchanged genuine smiles, eyes sparkling. I’ll likely never see her again but how beautiful that was, to stand in understanding on a Tuesday morning. more than hearting a photo of that book in my feed. I think over time social media engagement has tried to imitated this very real experience to the point that we assume we’re connected to thousands of people all the time when we’re not exactly ever. anyway, I love your socialite summer! this reaching, seeing, initiating, actually living.

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"There is no such thing as a waste of time when it comes to paying attention to people." this is such a beautiful sentiment and I love it.

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heavy on the 3-4 hour dinners!!! heavy on the european grocery shopping!!! heavy on the stone fruit in bulk!!! heavy on witnessing each other fully!!!

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Incredibly special and slippery read that ran through my mind like silk - thank you !

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LOVE THIS SO MUCH

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Such a good read and perfect timing. I really needed to read this going into summer, so thank you <3

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loveee this, as someone who tells themselves they prefer spending free time alone, I know I need to make the effort to connect, enjoy and embrace life a bit more ☀️

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My new mindset for the rest of the summer. Thanks

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evieee !!!! walked to pablo y pablo for dinner the other day and thought of you, keeping the ice cream scooping question in my back pocket, read this on a bench in a park and felt incredibly seen!!! hope ur socialite summer is treating u oh so well <3

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Jul 6Author

you too 💗💗 i miss u!!!! also i miss pablo y pablo tacos 💔

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Love this post! I find it incredibly rewarding talking to strangers and think it has huge benefits for everything in life, from mental health to your ability to empathise. I personally do it through hitchhiking but I understand that's not for everyone - either way it's a beautiful way to connect with strangers and hear their stories. It's remarkable what you find out! All the best, Nico

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As someone who is a forever introvert, I love this entire post and it has inspired me to do my own socialite summer

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"I shouldn’t be surprised that sometimes it can be hard to love people, but I suspect it’s maybe the secret to a long and happy life...I wholeheartedly agree, and love to see this theme about the value of connection reverberating throughout Substack and our world :)

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I made a summer bucket list this year to spark fun and joy back into life aka learning to love (life, being social, stepping outside the comfort zone, etc.) again. loved this read and your take on a socialite summer ❤️

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Wow this is beautiful! I am all about witnessing each other fully ♡

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i love talking to strangers and i loved this so much, thank you

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I adore your writing, and as an extreme introvert, I really needed this read. Thank for you sharing your beautiful advice on living life fuller ❤️

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