Thu, Jan 08
|Gotham Building
What's Love Got to Do With It? Premise Deep Dating Session
Jan 08, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Gotham Building, 722 N Page St, Portland, OR
We'll send the readings and video after you register for the session.
Conversation Catalysts for the Session:
"Why You Will Marry the Wrong Person" by Alain de Botton, New York Times Essay
"The Darling" by Anton Chekhov, Short Story
"The Unhappiness of Being a Single Man" by Franz Kafka, Very Short Prose Piece
"Happy Endings" by Margaret Atwood, Metafictional Story
"What No One Ever Told You About People Who Are Single" by Bella DePaulo, TED Talk
Reading takes <1.5 hours
About the Session & Deep Dating
What's Love Got to Do With It?
This session is part of our Deep Dating series in Portland, Oregon. This is not a matchmaking experience. Instead, we bring single people together to explore the experience of being single in the modern world, where dating apps promise infinite choice while delivering exhaustion, where everyone seems to be optimizing for love like it's a career move, and where admitting you're actually okay being single can feel like either radical self acceptance or defensive denial. Through shared works of art, we find empathy and understanding for an experience that is often narrated by everyone except those living it. Being single in a coupled world can feel like standing still while everyone else moves forward on some predetermined track. We're told singlehood is a temporary state, a waiting room before "real life" begins. Yet more people are single for longer periods than ever before, and some are choosing to remain so. This raises urgent questions about identity, completeness, and what we're actually seeking when we think we're looking for love.
The single experience is often narrated by others: pitied relatives, well meaning friends, a culture obsessed with romantic completion. But what happens when we examine singlehood from the inside? When we stop treating it as a problem to be solved and start asking what it reveals about our assumptions of happiness, identity, and belonging?
Our conversation will explore:
What does the single experience teach us about who we are when we're not defined through partnership?
How much of our search for love is actually a search for something else entirely?
What stories do we tell ourselves about being single, and whose stories are they?
What would change if we saw singlehood as a complete state rather than a lacking one?
What should I expect at a Premise session?
What are the expectations for preparation?
At Premise, we understand that your time is valuable, so we keep preparation light—typically under 2 hours. Each session revolves around a core text, whether it’s a short story, film, or essay, providing a shared foundation for meaningful conversation. This approach ensures everyone is ready to dive into thoughtful dialogue, creating a richer and more engaging experience. Your preparation means we all have a common starting point for exploring big ideas together.
Do I need to have previous experience with the text or question?
No, not at all! At Premise, we value both beginner eyes and deep experience—each brings something unique to the conversation. Whether you’ve been in many intellectual discussions or this is your first, our sessions are designed to make everyone feel comfortable and engaged. You don’t need to be an expert; our structure and guidelines help ensure that both the novice and the seasoned thinker feel welcome and supported. Premise is for anyone curious about life’s big questions.
What is a Premise session like?
A Premise session is a thoughtfully crafted, expertly facilitated conversation using the Premise discussion model. Together, we explore life’s enduring questions through short works of literature, film, or art. With just 1-2 hours of preparation, you’ll join a vibrant, meaningful discussion where the following values are embraced:
Active Participation: Everyone comes prepared to engage thoughtfully.
Listening & Reflection: We prioritize listening and reflection over debate.
Shared Inquiry: Our conversations are driven by curiosity and mutual exploration.
Premise creates a welcoming space for both beginners and experienced thinkers, ensuring every voice is heard in a dialogue that inspires deep learning and connection. Learn more about the participant experience.
Wait! These enduring questions are a bit weighty. Will this actually be enjoyable?
Absolutely! While we tackle life’s big questions, the atmosphere is engaging and enjoyable. At Premise, we believe learning should be joyful, not intimidating. Our expert facilitators guide the conversation in a way that makes deep topics approachable, encouraging curiosity and connection rather than pressure or competition. You’ll leave feeling inspired, connected, and enriched by the experience—plus, it’s fun to dive into meaningful discussions with fellow curious minds!
I signed up for an in-person Premise session. What should I expect?
Join Us
Premise Session
$35.00
Total
$0.00