CupTogether invitation found in Espresso House in Copenhagen. Photo by Isabella Minzly, used with permission.
English Translation:
CupTogether with us!
This green cup is a symbol which tells others that you are open to a nice chat. Order your drink in a CupTogether and see what happens!
Let's fight loneliness one cup at a time.
Imagine going into a coffee shop and easily finding someone to chat with—but rather than someone you know, a stranger. CupTogether is an intentional program designed to decrease loneliness by facilitating conversations among strangers.
How does it work?
It’s as simple as ordering your coffee in a special, green cup. Everyone in the shop understands that means you are open to conversation. Inspired by the social initiative Skravlekopp from Norway, the idea is to facilitate feeling seen, heard, and less alone for those in the community. Skravlekopp is dedicated to promoting connection by encouraging people to talk to each other, often over coffee.
Espresso House, a coffee shop chain founded in Lund, Sweden, and known for its cozy, welcoming spaces and good coffee, adopted the Skravlekopp Conversation Cup in its locations. The Copenhagen shop where the top image was taken is just one of their expanded locations in several countries.
They explain, “We’ve since brought this [Skravlekopp Conversation Cup] initiative to all our coffee shops, creating an atmosphere where the simple act of enjoying a cup of coffee can build connection and brighten someone's day. Our philosophy is that everyone can and has the responsibility to take action to make a difference. We believe in the power of many small actions adding up to a huge sustainable impact.” That sounds a lot like Golden Connections!
Espresso House image from their company website
How do I know what to say?
The Skravlekopp organization has partnered with companies to develop Chatter Rules to make it easier to start and sustain conversations.
Chatter Rules
1. Remember that an action is worth a thousand words
2. Say hello! It could mean more than you realize
3. Show respect for others' opinions
4. Don't be afraid to care too much
5. Listen more than you speak
6. Be present. Put your mobile away
7. Give a compliment - preferably a smile
8. Your time is the greatest gift you can give someone
Where can I participate in CupTogether?
We don’t have anything like Skravlekopp in the U.S. yet, but many coffee shops embrace being a welcoming third space. Owners just might be open to creating their own Conversation Cup program if you suggest it; perhaps you could start a fund to purchase special cups like the ones Skravlekopp and Espresso House offer.
Or you could simply approach someone in a coffee shop or other community third space and begin a conversation by asking if they have heard about Conversation Cups. As they say at Espresso House, “We believe in the social power of coffee.”
What is a third space?
Urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term in 1989, outlining three essential environments in people’s lives:
First Place: The home, where we live with our family.
Second Place: The workplace, where we spend our professional lives.
Third Place: Public gathering places that are separate from home and work, where people can relax and connect with their community.
What are the third spaces in your community? How might you engender conversations in those spaces? It doesn’t have to be about coffee: it could be a book shop, a tea shop, or any local hangout spot.
I discovered the Conversation Cup through the online space of LinkedIn (something between a second and third place) from a post from a new connection, Isabella Minzly, who kindly chatted with me and provided the photo she snapped at the Espresso House in Copenhagen
We’ll be talking about digital third spaces here at Social Seahorse Connections soon. I’m off to grab a cup of coffee in my own local, communal third space and initiate a conversation or two.
Golden Connection Challenge:
Approach someone in a coffee shop or eating area and ask if they are open to a brief chat. Start by telling them about the CupTogether program in a Copenhagen coffee shop.
Share this blog with others to increase social value in the new year.
I’d love to hear about your experiences with a comment here or email me using the contact form.
Bonus Golden Connection Challenge:
Start a Conversation Cup initiative in your own local coffee shop.
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