Your Third Place – Why It Matters

The term "third place" was first established in the book The Great Good Place (1989), written by the sociologist Ray Oldenburg. He listed its key characteristics as:

• Open and inviting

• Comfortable and informal

• Convenient

• Unpretentious

• People go there regularly to have conversations and build a community

The examples of third places are coffee shops, gyms, parks, libraries, bars, community centers, churches, theaters and so on. With the rise of the internet, the concept of a third place made its way into virtual space as well, although the effect of such communities is different and may be controversial.

The role of third places as community builders is vital. Thankfully, modern urban planners recognize it and include spaces that encourage social connections into their development plans.

Having a life outside one’s home and work is crucial for health. It provides an opportunity for a perspective shift that in turn fosters creativity, empathy, social connections, drive and much more.

Remember the habituation phenomenon from the last newsletter? Changing of scenery allows us for a brief dishabituation, that helps to see our life with a fresher eyes and enjoy it more. Getting out of the house creates an opportunity to experience different things and oftentimes begin to appreciate what you have but stopped noticing due to habituation.

My third place is my climbing gym. I go there not only to get a fun workout in, but also to meet new people (and climbing community is amazing!) and break the monotony even if I choose to grab my laptop with me and work. Right now I’m writing from the gym after just finishing a great climbing session, and I can tell how my brain appreciates the change.

Do you have a third place? If not, what might one look like for you? I’d love to hear where you feel most yourself, outside of home and work.

If this got you thinking about your own spaces—and how they support or sabotage your well-being—I’d love to help you explore that.