The greater friend group that I am with, has biweekly get-togethers at a local watering hole which are used to discuss various topics.
I understand the desire to have the forum be gender-based. Guys can talk in guy terms. But often, it seems to me, we end up lacking a critical point of view – the opposite.
So I pose this question to you readers:
What is the proper forum, or how does one arrange a proper forum, for a mixed-gender group to discuss various topics, be it worship, dating, quiet time or what have you?
Beer welcome.
In my experience the best places for general non gender specific discussion are coffee houses. They tend to have comfortable seating good for lounging and they aren’t too loud so you can usually hear what is being said which isn’t always the case in a bar or a pub.
I think this can be tough, actually. While many women are comfortable asserting their opinions in mixed company, some women do find it difficult to do so. Also, many men have a tendency to talk over women (happens to me often) without listening to what they are saying or without letting them finish their thoughts.
For a forum like this to be effective, these issues may need to be addressed.
As for location, I for one think a grill out on the deck, byob style, would work the best because it would be quiet enough for everyone to hear and be heard. Preferably the deck would be attached to a house that everyone felt comfortable visiting.