Have you heard that expression? I learned of it in the early 2000’s, and it resonated with me.
According to an article about the third place in the Perfect Daily Grind,
… an informal public gathering place that serves the community …
While home (the first place) is private and work (the second place) offers a structured social experience, third places are more relaxed public environments where people can meet and interact in a range of different ways.
Note, community, public environment, and relaxed. A place to get together with others. No participant has to host or clean up.
There are the taverns/bars, think Cheers. And the coffeehouses.
The article brought up some interesting points to consider, especially as we emerge out of COVID-19. During COVID, home and work started to blend together, and I think most of us have been sorely missing that third place.
Here’s a Swedish term I recently learned of: fika. Norwegian hubby didn’t know it either. When I described it, he said Norwegians would probably call it kaffepause (coffee break). From this Perfect Daily Grind article, fika seems a bit more than just a coffee break, though. The Danish term hygge comes to mind, too. I found this interesting article on hygge in The New Yorker from December 2016, with interesting social commentary about Scandinavians and Americans.
Pour yourself a cup of Bea’s Knees, get yourself into a hygge state of mind, and read these articles. Then another day, chat about it with your buddies you meet at the cafe, your third place.
What if you don’t work…..Is the 3rd place really the 2nd place?
Hmmm … good question! We’ll throw that question out to the peanut gallery …
Found this in Q&A with Ray Oldenburg, the sociologist who popularized the concept of “third place.” Ray Oldenburg has identified 10 important functions of great, good places. Number 8: Enhanced Retirement.
The need to “get out of the house” after retirement can be met daily if there is a nearby third place.” https://www.steelcase.com/eu-en/research/articles/topics/design-q-a/q-ray-oldenburg/
Love this post – many thanks Sharlene. Hugs to you and your hubby!
Gee, Sharlene Gee, I am enjoying your blog! Looking forward to having my first cup of Bea’s Knees.