So I met up with my first Amiis... and here is how it went! 💛
One of the most exciting parts of building SPORTAMii has been watching people put themselves out there and make new connections. But recently, I decided it was my turn to do the same.
Since launch, I've met up with two amazing women through the app, and both experiences reminded me exactly why we're building this community.
The first meetup was a dog walk and she had the fluffiest golden retriever you could imagine. We spent the walk chatting and getting to know each other while our four-legged friend happily led the way. Turns out we were both from a similar place back home.
The second was completely different, but still good fun! We both had an interest in road cycling and had been curious about getting into the sport, so we decided to visit a cycling shop together. Neither of us were experts. In fact, that was kind of the point. We spent time asking questions, learning about bikes, and sharing our excitement about trying something new.
And before I go any further, yes... I was nervous.
Even though I've helped build this platform, meeting someone new can still feel a little daunting. I had all the same thoughts that many of you probably have.
What if it's awkward?
What if we don't have much in common?
What if the conversation doesn't flow?
But honestly, those nerves disappeared pretty quickly.
What I realised is that the person on the other side is often feeling exactly the same way. They're also hoping to make a connection. They're also putting themselves out there.
As adults, making new friends isn't always easy. We get busy. We fall into routines. We tell ourselves we'll join that club, send that message, or try that activity another day.
But friendships rarely happen while staying inside our comfort zones.
Sometimes they start with a simple message.
What I've loved most about these meetups is that there was no pressure for them to be anything other than what they were. Just two people connecting over a shared interest, having a chat, and seeing where things went.
And that's the beauty of it.
Not every friendship starts with some huge adventure. Sometimes it's a dog walk. Sometimes it's a coffee. Sometimes it's standing in a bike shop together trying to work out the difference between two road bikes.
The activity is often just the reason to meet.
The real magic is the connection that follows.
So if you've been wondering about messaging someone, just go for it.
Why not?
You really have nothing to lose, and you might just end up making a new friend.
Sometimes the best things happen when we stop overthinking and just take the first step.