I started using walks as my new way to catch up with people
One thing I didn’t expect when I started walking more around Miami is how much it changed the way I see hanging out with friends.
I’ve started inviting friends I haven’t talked to in a while to go on a walk instead of doing the usual coffee, drinks, or dinner. And honestly, 99% of the time, they’re excited about it.
Especially when I already know a good route or loop.
You’re not just walking for the sake of walking. You have somewhere to go, something new to see, maybe a neighborhood you’ve never explored. And because the route is a loop, you’re constantly moving, changing scenery, and discovering something together, but the best part is the conversation.
You’re walking next to someone for an hour, actually listening to each other and catching up without constantly looking at your phone or feeling like you need to order another drink to justify sitting there.
It also works really well with friends who are “too busy.”
Instead of trying to find two hours for dinner, you can say, “Let’s walk tomorrow morning,” or “Let’s do a quick walk after work.” Even 45 minutes.
You get some exercise, you get outside, you discover a part of the city you probably wouldn’t have seen otherwise, and you catch up with someone you care about. And honestly, I think that’s what walking does really well.
It gives you a reason to spend time with people without making the activity itself the entire point.
You’re just walking somewhere together.
And somehow, that makes it much easier to actually reconnect.