In a world dominated by digital interactions, there’s a new social app organizing in-person group meetups. It’s not only refreshing; it seems to be working, too.
Operating in more than 285 cities, including Kansas City, the Timeleft app connects 16,000 individuals every Wednesday night for special dinners. The app uses an algorithm to pair six compatible strangers, with the aim of fostering authentic dialogue in a relaxed, face-to-face environment.
Feeling adventurous, I decided to take the plunge and sign up for a dinner. I downloaded the app, paid the monthly fee and started filling out my profile with such details as age range, interests, profession, food preferences and musical tastes. Once complete, I selected a date for my dinner, and just like that, I was matched with five strangers. Anticipation built from that moment on.
The night before our meetup, the app provided details about my fellow guests, including their professions and astrological signs. The day of, I received the name and address of a trendy downtown Kansas City sushi spot for our 7 pm gathering. I was curious, nervous and enthusiastic all at once. Arriving early, I was greeted by a fellow diner—a warm, confident woman in her mid-40s already seated at the table. We hit it off immediately, and my pre-dinner jitters slipped away. Soon, another guest arrived—slightly reserved, yet welcoming. The atmosphere was friendly and inviting. Next, an animated woman in her 50s joined us, bringing an infectious uplifting energy.
By the time the last guests arrived, we had seven instead of six—a delightful surprise—and all of us were women. Remarkably, everyone was a first-timer except for one seasoned attendee who had engaged in two previous dinners.
There we were, seven strangers hailing from different corners of the city—Lawrence, the Crossroads, Olathe, North of the River, and even far from KC, in St. Louis. It quickly felt like I was with old friends. Our professions were diverse: health care, media, law and agriculture. The conversation was engaging and flowed as freely as the cocktails. We opened up about parenting, divorces, dating, marriage and career journeys. Genuine connections were built.
At 8:30 pm, the app pinged with a surprise notification inviting us to post-dinner cocktails nearby with other Timeleft groups. Caught up in the warmth of our evening, we were reluctant to part ways. Instead, we exchanged phone numbers and agreed to plan another girls’ night—perhaps the start of a cherished new tradition.
As we said our goodbyes, half the group departed, but three of us were too intrigued to call it a night. Curious about the next spot, we ventured onward to meet up with even more strangers. There were men and women there, all primarily in their 30s, but all also seeking meaningful connections.
Later that evening, as I climbed into bed, I reflected on our dinner with a sense of pride. We had shared so much and embraced the thrill of stepping outside our comfort zones. For some, it meant confronting fears; for others, it was about pursuing personal goals. One of us tried sushi for the first time. What could have been another dull Wednesday night on the couch transformed into laughter and heartwarming stories. More importantly, I welcomed six new friends into my life. A text chain was begun, and we made plans for our next meetup.
I say take the plunge. Try it out. What if dinner with five strangers could change your life? I can confidently say, for me, it already has.
Contributor Shauna Gilden, who grew up in Kansas City, has spent the last several decades in Los Angeles. She recently moved back to the area and has been pushing herself outside her comfort zone, getting to know her hometown all over again.
