Questions are the doorway to connection. To me, a thoughtful question asked by someone who then

gives really deeply attentive listening is one of the purest expressions of love in my book.

And the fascinating thing about asking good questions is that studies show that people who ask really good questions

are thought of as better conversationalists, even though they're going to spend a good chunk

of their time just listening quietly, not even speaking.

I'm Jocelyn K. Gly, and this is Hurry Slowly, a podcast about pacing yourself, where this

season I am exploring the question, how do we begin again, in the wake of or the hoped for

future wake of, this global pandemic, which in many ways has kind of helped us hit the reset button on the way

we view the world. And I think one of the most common experiences we've all had has been

awakening to the sheer joy of spending time, IRL, with other humans, as well as awakening to

what we really need in those relationships and how we might

nurture them better. Pulling on that thread for today's episode, I dig into a rich conversation

with writer and designer Cat Vellos, someone who has thought deeply about real-world friendships

and how to cultivate them. I should note that this interview was originally recorded on August 31, 2021, in front of a live

Zoom audience.

As always, if this conversation lights up your brain, it makes you think a little bit differently,

I would welcome your donation at hurry slowly.co slash donations.

This is now an ad-free listener-supported podcast, and your contributions really help us thrive.

All right, let's dive in.

Kat Velos is a designer, a facilitator, and a writer whose work aims to help people connect in more meaningful ways.

In January of 2020, she published her wonderful book, We Should Get Together, The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships,

which was designed to address the loneliness

...