It’s Just Dinner

One of my personal priorities for 2007 is to expand my circle of friends.

I’ve just finished reading The Art of Friendship, a great little book on making and maintaining meaningful connections. One of the insights I gained along the way? If your circle of friends is smaller than you’d like, it’s up to you to do something about that.

And that, in turn, gave me a simple, but powerful, idea.

Do you live in the Jackson area? Do you want to expand your circle of friends? Do you like good food?

Then read on. Because what I’m about to suggest isn’t revolutionary — after all, It’s Just Dinner — but it might have a huge impact on your life.

This isn’t a club. There are no dues. There aren’t any long-term obligations.

Hey — It’s Just Dinner, after all!

It works like this:

1) SIGN UP. Interested in meeting other folks who want to meet other folks? Drop me an email with “It’s Just Dinner” in the subject line. I’ll add you to a private mailing list I’ve designed exclusively for this purpose. (Privacy policy: I won’t share these addresses with anyone else, ever, for any reason, period. I hate spam, too, you know.)

2) OPT IN. About once a month, I’ll hit the list with:

– a date and time that gives you at least two weeks advance notice, and

– an RSPV request.

If you can’t make it, that’s cool.

If you can make it, that’s even cooler. All you have to do is:

– confirm that you want to attend

– tell me the number of people in your party.

You’ll have to RSVP at least a week before dinner, so I can make reservations accordingly. If fewer than six people confirm, then we’ll cancel and try again the following month.

3) DINE OUT. About a week before our dinner, I’ll drop you an email containing the name of the restaurant where we’re all meeting, the number of people coming, and directions. I’ll deliberately choose restaurants where it’s possible to dine well for $20.00 or less per person.

I’ll start each dinner by welcoming everyone, making some introductions, and providing a clever, zero-pressure, zero-embarassment pastime designed to help you get to know other members of the group.

All you have to do is show up!

Like I said … It’s Just Dinner! Interested? Send me an email with “It’s Just Dinner” in the subject line.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1) Wait … you don’t tell us the name of the restaurant until after we RSVP? You noticed that, eh? Here’s why: It’s Just Dinner is not so much about the food … it’s about the people you’ll meet. Besides, until I know how many people are coming, I can’t exactly make us a reservation, now can I?

Embrace the mystery! I’ll wager that you’ll enjoy the places we go … but, even if you don’t, relax. It’s Just Dinner. Next month, we’ll go somewhere else.

2) But what if I don’t like the restaurant you pick? No worries … It’s Just Dinner, after all! The worst that can happen is that you eat light for one night. If you’re still hungry on the way home, you can always stop by Mickey D’s!

3) What if I don’t like the other people who show up? Hey — you’re not married to ’em … It’s Just Dinner. I think you’ll have a great time … but if you don’t, you never have to come back again!

4) When’s the first outing? With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and holiday travel just around the corner for most of us, I figure we’ll crank this baby up in January 2007. That way, there’s plenty of time to spread the word. Who knows? This may be the one New Year’s resolution you keep. After all — It’s Just Dinner.

5) Can I take this opportunity to speak to the group about my great Amway products? Nope! It’s Just Dinner — so this isn’t a marketing opportunity. While you’re bound to meet some folks who may help you expand your network of professional contacts, the goal here is strictly to expand your circle of friends. So don’t worry — your dinner won’t be dominated by a sales pitch for condos in Key West.

6) Do you get a kickback from the restaurants we go to? Nope. This isn’t a business venture. It’s Just Dinner.

7) I’ve got commitment issues. Can I just show up at the last minute? Relax! You’re not signing a lease — It’s Just Dinner.

– If you don’t opt in, you won’t get the email containing the name of the restaurant and the directions. If you don’t opt in three times in a row, we’ll assume you’re too busy to play … and, rather than clutter your mailbox, we’ll drop you from the mailing list.

– If you do opt in, we’ll expect you to show up. (Barring accidents, illness, injury, unexpected guests, and acts of God, that’s what responsible adults do!) If you opt in and don’t show three times in a row, we’ll assume you’re too busy to play … and, rather than clutter your mailbox, we’ll drop you from the mailing list.

8) I’m on a restricted diet and can only eat green olives and caterpillars. Will you make sure the restaurant you choose offers a meal that suits me? While I empathize with special dietary needs, I’d go crazy trying to make sure that every restaurant offered options for every possible diet! Remember: It’s Just Dinner. You’ll know where we’re going a week in advance; so you can phone ahead (to check for suitable menu options) or, if the restaurant can’t accommodate your needs, you can eat beforehand … and just show up for the fellowship.

9) Is there a membership fee? Nope. It’s Just Dinner.

10) Is this just for gay people? Can Baptists come? Will you turn away Republicans? Hey — It’s Just Dinner. Part of the fun involves meeting people outside your everyday circle. Everyone willing to tolerate others for the hour or two we’re in the restaurant together is perfectly welcome.

11) Do you pay for dinner? While It’s Just Dinner, my full-time writer’s salary won’t allow me to buy everyone’s dinner. When your check comes, you’re on your own.

12) How much will dinner cost? It’s not an investment — It’s Just Dinner! Every place I pick will offer options that will allow you to dine well for less than $20.00 per person, or $40.00 per couple … and often, much less.

13) Can I tell my friends about this? Of course! It’s Just Dinner. Send ’em a link, share my email address with ’em, and sign ’em up.

14) Can I bring a friend to dinner? As long as they understand It’s Just Dinner … why not? When you RSVP, just tell me the total number in your party, including any friends you want to bring along.

15) Can I steal this idea for use in my own city? Hey — It’s Just Dinner. Have at it!