06/25/2026
Before I start, I want to make it clear that this post is not directed at any one specific person or any one specific Stranger Session. This is simply a collection of things I’ve noticed over time that make the matching process more difficult or cause sessions to fall through entirely.
One of the biggest issues I run into is participants publicly announcing that they’ve applied or been selected for a Stranger Session. Please do not comment on posts saying you’ve applied, and if you’re selected, please do not post about it on Facebook, ask for advice in local groups, or publicly announce that you’re participating.
Of course, you can tell your close friends and family. However, word travels fast, especially in small communities. More often than not, the mystery starts disappearing because information gets passed around. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve received messages from participants saying they already know who their match is because someone saw a comment, a post, or heard it through mutual friends.
While I can’t control whether two people happen to be Facebook friends or whether someone is actively watching my page, I do everything I can to keep these sessions as private and authentic as possible. The goal is for you to genuinely not know who you’re meeting until the session begins.
I also want to remind everyone that Stranger Sessions are not something I throw together overnight. I don’t randomly pair people, and I certainly don’t pair people every week. I spend a lot of time reviewing applications, comparing personalities, interests, comfort levels, and availability. I take a lot of pride in creating thoughtful matches, and that process takes time.
Applications are always kept on file, but applying does not guarantee that a match will be found. I receive far more female applications than male applications, and sometimes people simply are not compatible. I’d rather wait for the right match than force the wrong one.
Another important reminder: Stranger Sessions are meant to be FUN. The purpose is not necessarily to find a romantic connection. The goal is to step outside your comfort zone, meet someone new, try something different, and have an experience you wouldn’t normally have. Most of my sessions are activity-based or built around a specific concept, so I need participants who are willing to trust the process, be open-minded, and have fun.
If you are no longer interested in participating, have entered a relationship, or simply don’t feel like a Stranger Session is something you’d like to do anymore, please let me know. There are absolutely no hard feelings. I would much rather remove your application than continue trying to pair someone who is no longer available or interested.
And please, if you agree to participate in a Stranger Session, show up.
One of the most frustrating situations I’ve experienced was driving an hour and a half to a session after carefully pairing two participants, coordinating schedules, and putting everything together, only to have one participant tell me they were no longer available about an hour before the session. I completely understand that emergencies and life happen. What becomes difficult is when I attempt to reschedule and receive no response at all.
When someone backs out at the last minute or disappears entirely, it doesn’t just waste my time. It also wastes the time and excitement of the person who was matched with them. If you are no longer interested, please just tell me. If your situation changes, please let me know. Communication goes a long way and helps keep this process fair for everyone involved.
Lastly, please refrain from sending multiple messages asking if a match has been found. If I have an update, I will reach out to you directly.
I absolutely love Stranger Sessions and genuinely enjoy creating these experiences. I plan to continue offering them because they’ve led to some incredible memories, friendships, and connections. All I ask is that everyone follows the guidelines, respects the process, and understands that a lot of time and effort goes into making these sessions successful.
Thank you to everyone who has trusted me with this project and helped make it what it is today.
