You know that surreal moment when you leave the cinema and feel strangely calm and unbothered...to the extend that you feel lowkey disoriented? Kinda like you’ve walked out as a totally different person.

Ok, maybe just me, but you have to admit that there’s something seriously comforting about going to the cinema (especially on a rainy day). I used to think that I found the cinema so wonderfully comforting because the movie itself allowed me to escape the mundane stress of my own life. But, you can watch a film anywhere...and having a Netflix sesh in bed or watching a film at the office defo doesn’t have the same calming effect for me. Cos idk about you, but as soon as I get comfy, I always notice some chore that I forgot to do (classic) ...which then just ruins the whole point of having a relaxing experience in the first place.

There’s something about the actual space of the cinema itself that is so neutral... but like, in a good way? It’s so far removed from the personal & professional spaces in our lives that we physically can’t get stressed (unless u work in a cinema?). If you can relate to anything I’ve just rambled on about, or are feeling constantly stressed and want a new way to manage life's anxieties, then you should read on to discover the magic of ✨third spaces✨.

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Q: What are third spaces?

A: The term “third space” was coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in 1989 to describe the core settings of informal public life. In short: places that aren’t peoples homes, or places of work. They’re neutral spaces that are accessible to people from all walks of life, where conversation and socialisation is the focus, and that can provide people with a safe ‘home away from home’.  Think: cinemas, places of worship, libraries, coffee shops, bowling alleys...the list goes on and on. Oldenburg theorised that these third spaces represent the heart of their communities, since they facilitate social connectedness, cultural mixing and democracy.  

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Q: Ok, but why should I care about this?

A: Most of us divide our time mindlessly bouncing between our homes and the office, leaving us little time to attend the third spaces that bring us comfort, happiness and a sense of belonging. Spending time in third spaces lets us socialise, spend time developing our interests, and simply let loose without all the domestic and professional stress in our lives.

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However, with the rise of the digital, and the aftermath of COVID, many third spaces are suffering to stay open due to a steady decline in attendees. Many spaces that were once their communities’ only way of socialising are slowly shutting down. Don’t worry, I’m not some doomsday prophet heralding the death of in-person socialisation, or some boomer reminiscing about “better times gone by”... but you’ve got to admit that modern life is just so chronically online. I mean, when was the last time you started talking to a stranger in a public space? Or chose to catch a movie at the cinema rather than on your own TV?

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With a wave of loneliness sweeping the planet, finding comforting third spaces, and the time to spend in them, could be seriously important for reviving organic social connection and improving our mental health. Making a conscious effort to spend some hours a week decompressing in a third space might be just what you needed to find balance and feel less stressed. This could be as simple as trying out a new lunch spot, or as exciting as booking a trip to the opera. Whatever your prerogative, I think that everyone should give third places a shot.

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Hustle porn culture is fucking intense. So, fuck that. Go to the cinema. Buy the popcorn and relax. You deserve it.