[random_rr]

Neither of those are truly challenges.

1.) The coffeeshop isn't an office - people can talk. If it's too loud, that's on you (the person using it as an office) to find another place.

2.) You already have something in common - you want to talk!

I've seen this idea of the "talk table" work in retirement homes, not sure how well it would fare with a younger crowd.

[maroonblazer]

1.) Fair point.

2.) Right, I do want to talk, but the number of subjects I can converse about is a tiny fraction of those on offer. If I show up and the topic is rebuilding engines or flower arranging - two topics I know nothing about - I'll have nothing to contribute.

[aisofteng]

Part of being social(ly well adjusted) is giving a shit about what someone else is interested in instead of requiring everyone to have the same interests as you.

[oldmanjay]

Contributing by being interested and actively listening is more important than knowing everything about everything.

[maroonblazer]

Good point. In retrospect I misunderstood the gist of the article. Loneliness can be remedied simply by being around and engaged with other people. That doesn't require holding forth on whatever's being discussed.