While I don’t know of any other apps doing exactly the same thing as Timeleft, supper clubs have been on the rise lately worldwide and interest in communal living has spiked as people seek deeper connections. Some dating companies have also shifted to hosting in-person events rather than pushing customers to buy roses and super-likes to engage with gamified apps (two of which, Hinge and Tinder, are now being sued for their addictive qualities). Thursday, for example, hosts singles-only events at bars, climbing gyms, parks, and other venues, and will soon be hosting its second annual singles ski trip in France.
“For me, [Timeleft] is a tangible way to meet and establish new friendships,” one of my fellow Lisbon diners, Fédi Regaieg, told me while I was writing this article. “And to grow my circles and grow personally, instead of always being with my comfortable circle of friends.”
For me, it was the same. I didn’t know anyone in Lisbon but I knew I’d be there for a few days and would likely want to visit the city again. So, it seemed like a good investment to meet others who might know the city better than me, and who likewise might want to visit London someday.
But even if we never see each other again, we had a fascinating conversation that was well worth the time. All six of us were from different countries—Tunisia, Iran, France, Portugal, UK, and US—and we spoke at length about the challenges of trying to learn how to communicate in a new language or culture. I learned so much from each of them, and I could have kept talking for many more hours.
