Welcome to LAB – Lonely, Awkward and Bored
Feeling lonely, awkward, or bored? Welcome to LAB! — a judgment-free zone where we turn isolation into connection, weirdness into authenticity, and boredom into something way more interesting!
Understanding LAB
Okay, so what on earth is LAB? LAB—Lonely, Awkward, and Bored— is a community built for those seeking connection, play, and self-acceptance in a world that often feels isolating. Whether you’re struggling to find meaningful interactions, craving a sense of belonging, or simply looking for a space to be yourself without judgment, LAB offers a supportive environment to explore, grow, and engage with others. Through shared experiences, creative expression, and open conversations, we transform loneliness into connection, awkwardness into authenticity, and boredom into discovery. No matter where you are on your journey, LAB is here to welcome you.
Our Mission
L.A.B. (Lonely, Awkward, and Bored) is a peer-led, judgment-free community designed to help people transform loneliness, awkwardness, and boredom into connection, play, and self-acceptance. By fostering a safe and inclusive environment, L.A.B. empowers individuals to step outside their comfort zones, embrace self-discovery, and build meaningful relationships at their own pace. This movement is open to anyone who wishes to start a local L.A.B. group or contribute to L.A.B. Central—the central hub for organizing resources, hosting the website, and expanding outreach.
What is LAB?
LAB (Lonely, Awkward, and Bored) is a peer-led community designed to foster connection, play, and personal acceptance. It is a space for those who feel isolated, socially anxious, or disconnected to come together and find fulfillment in shared experiences. LAB is not a therapy group, nor is it limited to those in traditional recovery programs. It is an alternative and a supplement—a structured, yet flexible, gathering that encourages participants to step outside their comfort zones, explore personal growth, and build meaningful relationships at their own pace. Our meetings offer a variety of formats, including open sharing, creative expression, shared experiences, and physical activities, all designed to bring joy and connection into everyday life.
The Need for a Third Place
In today’s world, many of us lack a “third place”—a social environment outside of home and work where we feel welcome, valued, and at ease. Historically, coffeehouses, local pubs, community centers, and places of worship have served this role, but with the rise of digital communication, economic pressures, and growing social and political divides, such spaces have become harder to find. Anonymous recovery groups have long functioned as third places, providing members with a structured yet informal setting for connection. However, not everyone fits the parameters of these programs. LAB was created to provide a third place for anyone who needs one, without requiring them to identify as being in recovery or adhere to any specific ideology. Here, all are welcome, and all are valued.
Who is LAB For?
LAB is for anyone who has ever felt lonely, socially awkward, or bored. Whether you struggle with social anxiety, have lost your sense of play and creativity, or simply crave deeper human connection, LAB offers a space to explore and engage with others in a judgment-free environment. It is for those who feel isolated by modern life, those who long for meaningful interactions, and those who are searching for a sense of belonging. If you’ve ever wished for a place where you could simply show up and be accepted as you are, LAB is for you.
Join or Start a LAB Group
LAB is a grassroots movement, and anyone can create a local chapter. Whether you want to start a meeting in your town or contribute to LAB Central—the website, resources, and outreach efforts—we invite you to be part of this growing network. By joining or creating a LAB group, you are helping to build a world where connection, play, and self-acceptance are accessible to all. Welcome to LAB—your third place.