Let's Hang Out

by Chris Duffy

From neighbors whose faces we sort of recognize to baristas who know our order by heart to work friends to significant others, our lives are defined by social interactions — many of which we may not even be consciously aware of. Most of us know the benefits of the deepest relationships — close friends, romantic partners, and immediate family. But what about the momentary interactions we share with people whose names we hardly know?

In Let’s Hang Out: Making (and Keeping) Friends, Acquaintances, and Other Nonromantic Relationships, comedian, writer, and podcast host of How to Be a Better Human Chris Duffy shares why these types of connections deserve more recognition than they get and can change our lives. Diving in with extensive research while also analyzing both local and global views of community, Duffy shows readers that while an acquaintance may pack less of a punch on its own compared to a more intimate relationship, when we add the acquaintanceships together, they can have a profound effect on us (and even enhance our longevity and physical health).

Genres: Audiobook, Nonfiction

Audiobook

Published June 26, 2024

About the author

From his blog:
"I'm currently a freelance editor and writer--mostly for comics, though I speak English good and can write without pichers too."

Reviews

[Kenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this short audiobook on Everand, and I really enjoyed the author’s perspective and insights. I hope to be able to implement some of his concepts, though I’m hesitant to agree on all of his points.

Content warning: some instances of language

[Zane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice short listen (in my case) and a different view of the connections we have in our daily lives.
I enjoyed both the humor and some new (somewhat obvious) take on daily interactions with other people.

[Grant Gunston · Rating 3 out of 5]

*A short haiku*

Let’s hang out- A book
One and a half hours and poof! 💨
No need to go deep

— — —

There’s a lot of in-betweeners
- constitute most of our relationships
- ⁠could go somewhere [deeper] or end without too much fuss
- ⁠they make up the fabric of our lives. They’re not just nobodies to us.

Some points from the book:
- platonic, non family relationships matter to our health and wellbeing
- ⁠they are more fluid
- ⁠”Hey there”s are important parts of our lives. Have potential for more. Small talk: keep it simple & real. Observe, listen to your natural curiosity, talk about your interests.
- ⁠Regulars - someone who knows your “usual”
- ⁠unlocks new levels of small talk
- ⁠chosen family: graduated through the ranks

There were times when it felt like the author was trying to make everyone an extrovert, but nonetheless the big idea of valuing all depths of relationships is a good one.

[Warlou Joyce Antonio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everand keeps doing me a solid with good non-fiction audiobook recommendations.

I loved how this talked about the beauty of having “hey there” laidback relationships. It made a strong case about how even though we hold close friendships dear, chill interactions with strangers or acquaintances also count for something. And I was convinced of this even as an I-am-terrible-at-small-talks introvert.

“So forget about looking detached and cool as you ride off alone into the sunset. Instead, pull up a chair and let’s watch it together.”

[danny · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️’s

Listened to this while walking one day, a few months back. Wasn’t able to add it to goodreads because it wasn’t on here yet, but just realized it is now!

I found it to be short and sweet. Not a typical genre I listen to but I enjoyed the personal anecdotes and stories and I related a lot to the author.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because it sounded right for a client and I still think it's right. Fun, light, short but also full of some excellent ideas and interesting research.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well read, good and practical advice. It's very short and so the momentum is lovely and he keeps it entertaining.

[Tuesday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, short, audiobook with practical advice.

[Caleb Otto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good points. Not my favorite writing style.

[Kim Woodbury · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some interesting ideas, but is too short to develop them in any sort of meaningful way. Regardless, it still gave me some good food for thought.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet to the pint and packed with actual useful information that people don’t always talk about.

[Nyeleti Baloyi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice quick and easy read to read through when you’re procrastinating!

[Honey · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute & wholesome & effective instructions for ambiverts.