Esther Perel Instagram – “Raise your hand if you’re experiencing some anxiety being here. Keep it low if it’s just a little anxiety. Raise it to a height that corresponds with the intensity. So, if you’re having a panic attack right now, your hand should be as high in the air as possible.” Two weeks ago, I said these words to hundreds of first-time attendees of TED’s annual conference in Vancouver. The organizers had invited me to speak to newcomers about forming connections, grappling with imposter syndrome, and reconciling our home lives with the adventures to come in the week ahead. At every conference, event, or gathering, there is what’s happening on the stage, but there’s also what’s happening in the hallways, in the bathrooms, or at the dinner tables. People are eager to connect on a personal level. They likely have deep connections at home, but there is something unique about connecting in a new space with new people in real time. You can walk in alone, but you won’t be lonely for very long. But there is always the question: how much of myself should I share? Making new friendships as an adult comes with a host of questions we often never considered as children—many of us desire to go beyond the perfunctory or performative and dive a bit deeper, but sometimes we struggle with how and when. Visit this month’s newsletter to explore the topic and share your thoughts in the comments below.