I Put Flyers Up To Make Friends

The Stories From a Van Online Store 👕
storiesfromava...
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This is my experience of moving to a new city and trying to make new friends. I put up flyers in public to meet strangers, in hopes of finding a good connection and community. The struggle of making and keeping friends as an adult is an issue I find myself thinking about a lot.
Social Media
Twitter: / van_stories
Instagram: / storiesfromavan
Facebook: / storiesfromavan
All music in the video is self-written and produced

[@caseyshuniak]

I think this was one of the sweetest and most genuine vlogs I've ever seen

[@icemeoutlikeelsa]

"this walk would have been better if I did it with a friend" -could never be me, I love long walks with my headphones on by myself

[@devolutionone]

You are so brave Evan, I would definitely be your friend but I'm in Toronto Canada.. I wish you good luck tho and all the best of everything :)

[@raffinataonline]

Brave. Bravo. 👏

[@SherrickDuncan]

Update video of when you tried it again?

[@Coco81218]

You do know that there is such thing as Tinder right?

[@Bargawd]

Found you from reddit, glad I did. I think it's pretty awesome how you're willing to put yourself out there and be vulnerable on camera. Guys don't talk about that lonely feeling they get as they age and lose touch with old friends. I hope you fill that void, I'll keep watching. Cheers Evan!

[@TheShringster]

Whoa… I just saw your flyer like 2 days ago! Now I see your video on KZbin That’s crazy, great vid man, many many people feel the way you do so don’t feel alone.

[@StoriesFromaVan]

Woah that is crazy! Thanks for your comment:)

[@winstonsmith2118]

🙏

[@UserNotAuthorized]

Hey man, I can relate to your struggles. I’m freshly 30 and feeling directionless. I’m moving from San Diego back to Wisconsin, and have a ‘crazy’ idea to build out a van and live freely. Maybe we can meet up and surfskate together someday 🤙

[@redrockliving2131]

I'm in my 50s. It's true that as you age, people seem to fall away from your life and it's hard to make friends. Work is where my friends are now. As you work you invest and save for a day when you can quit working, but I know I never will, because that's where my people are. Well, if you're ever in Central Florida there's a Chili's nearby. We can swap van stories.

[@freddyrosenberg9288]

You are an awesome dude. Just judging from the detail and workmanship of your van, I can tell what sort of person you are. I wish you lots of success, I am glad I saw your channel early on so I can watch it grow.

[@StoriesFromaVan]

❤️❤️❤️

[@carlosposada1603]

This video reminds me when I was younger , i would eat alone at a Restaurant or go to a movie by myself or ride my motorcycle by myself . Now I'm married and much older now and my only true Friend is my wife . we do every together and Enjoy our Life together❤

[@siliconvalleyJT]

Are you Carlos Santana? Nickname

[@gchan325]

I am jealous of u that your wife is your true friend

[@dan01]

Wife plus cats for me.

[@nkaujhmoobvwj]

@@gchan325 when u r married your spouse should be your best friend.

[@David-ln6im]

Same. Facts

[@evankim8815]

Something about the honesty and vulnerability of this channel is refreshing. It feels sorta... real. Keep it up man!

[@ibrahimomar2335]

Bro just always remember your not the only one who experience this. So be positive, keep smiling, love yourself and have the mind set that the best yet to come. And meanwhile make the best of it. Because someday you'll look back in time and be proud of yourself how you did. So make that choice now ❤️✌🏼

[@biggiebowwow4585]

I came here for the van, but real recognizes real. Seeing something this genuine is refreshing, and I'm happy to have come across it.

[@panickedjerzeegrl7622]

Glad you’re safe and sound. With the insanity in today’s world, u just never know. Please be safe, friend. Hugs from NJ.

[@tednguyen7258]

your so motherly....love it...lol

[@serenakoleno9338]

Very brave of you, Evan. We all have these feelings, but you are doing something about it. I have a pin somewhere that says, "I used to live alone, and then I got divorced. " So don't assume people who have a partner are any better off. Hope your meetups work out. Tfs.

[@tahltan1910]

100% the truth 👍🏼

[@nkaujhmoobvwj]

U only stay in that marriage if ur spouse is your bff...don't stay if u r miserable.

[@AnnLeiSoCal]

True dat! I've been married over 30 yrs along w/many of my friends and family...no one remains "friends". I'm married still but do things on my own, whenever I want to with my like minded friends...everyone wins. Sadly, the old grandma's I know don't even miss their departed husbands...that's the kicker.

[@tednguyen7258]

no wonder who your with you are still alone....in your head at least

[@ChadandClaire]

Incredibly insightful. This video was so refreshing and I love how you just put it all out there. Good luck on your journey! Thanks for creating and please don’t stop!

[@az55544]

Head to the climbing or bouldering gym. Find another beginner. Climbers create strong micro-communities based on a healthy lifestyle. Once you gain skills or hook up with folks who climb outside, travelling to climb will explode your world. Hiking groups can be like that also. I'm sure cycling and other outdoor activities, too. I have always based new friendships on activities, not just hanging out.

[@StoriesFromaVan]

Activities are a great way to create community. I've done bouldering before and those gyms are very conducive to creating community!

[@PaulHamon]

awesome mate, love your video. i've had hundred of cyclists from all over the world stay with me at my place for a day or a week. they're riding past my place on the worldly travels. i've invited random cyclists on the side of the road near my house to spend the night and have a meal. i've not made any amazing 'friends' out of it, but i do have contacts all over the world and i get to enjoy their ongoing adventures thru social media. people also think inviting strangers into my place is crazy but it's amazing what can be gained from a small act of generosity, both for you and for them. look forward to your next video.

[@giogoesgreen7623]

wow, nowadays it's difficult to express our real feelings on internet and you did it very well. this last year changed my life, my mind and my feelings a lot. now I'm a bit lost, but as you said that could give me the strength to change and improve. have a good life!

[@OusaKhun]

Bro you don't need a lot of friends, 1-3 genuinely good friends is all you need.

[@DelRJohnston]

Same, Evan. Same. I have this yearning to make as many friends as I can because I realize that people are busy with their own lives. I feel that if I have more friends, I have a greater chance of filling my empty and lonely times, which are becoming more frequent as I age. It’s difficult to maintain those friendships however. Love your filming/editing and teaching style. You seem genuinely honest and friendly. I would have beers with you if I lived in CA. Cheers.

[@markn8376]

Community can be hard to find. It takes work. Digital entertainment has replaced human interaction, and people are lonely. I've realized in the last few years how important good friendships are, and they get harder and harder to make as you get older. I've made an effort to reconnect with good friends from earlier years, because good people are hard to come by and you don't want to lose them if you can help it. Pick up the phone and reconnect with old friends, it takes effort but it's very rewarding.

[@tjpaison]

Hi Evan, this is the 2nd video of yours I’ve seen today & I really enjoy your rawness, honesty & braveness out there in your journey of life in your van. I really hope you find a lot of good people as friends & maybe a sweet companion to join you bro. Stay safe & continue staying true to yourself. God bless 🙏 & please keep making more videos. I’m now a subscriber!👍

[@Paigexoable]

This is very courageous. I don’t know if I would be able to follow through and actually meet in-person.

[@moniquemc4553]

Evan you are extremely wise for your age. I really admire you.

[@mswms7181]

You appear really nice 🤗 please be careful

[@deevlog1611]

Go to any mosque and read the Al Quran ( English Translate ) Meaning Of Life

[@baskets8429]

i really enjoyed this video! i used to truck across the USA and spent many days alone by myself restaurants , movies, long walks, etc etc the good part was i had lots of time to think and enjoy just being out and about

[@tonyparkin5064]

Hey mate, hi from Australia. Nice videos. So why did you have to keep moving around? Why did certain things not work out? You seem like a cool dude. Looking forward to the next video.

[@tednguyen7258]

womanizing...on the run

[@slaw2360]

Love your videos Evan, always touching on all the genuine emotions I think most of us feel but don't talk about enough. Thanks man (:

[@MaysrJustThis]

You seem like such a great guy man. I’m sure you will have no problem meeting other great people and I wish you all the best! I know the best is coming your way!

[@joinantonius2]

This was one of the best videos I’ve seen on KZbin actually worth commenting. This is exactly how I’ve reached out at a member of my community I wanted to get to know and it actually worked. Don’t be afraid of rejection.

[@FearlessQuery21]

I'm proud of you for seeking out your destiny. Godspeed!

[@ferrermc311]

I dunno how I stumbled into this page, I usually search for vids of van conversions but I found yours compelling. Although I’m a bit older and I got a family, I resonate to a lot of the things you feel..enjoy your journey. When you’re older you look back at these and it will fill you with joy that you did what you wanted to do and not because you had to.

[@dayhill1616]

Wow, Evan! You are awesome! The world is a crazy place. I admire your openness. Smart move on the name and phone. Glad it worked out. Your introspective nature is an encouragement to others. Thanks for sharing your journey. Hope you continue ❤️

[@joinmeinthedirt5186]

Hopefully your doing ok, you haven’t posted in over a month. My husband and I have vacationed in Santa Cruz and SF for 45 years and know how safe and unsafe it is. Be safe and take care and let us know your doing ok.

[@StoriesFromaVan]

I’m doing well! My videos take a lot of time planning and filming!

[@joinmeinthedirt5186]

@@StoriesFromaVan glad to hear your doing good, enjoy the nice weather.

[@kevinwilson510]

Be very careful who u met it could be life or death van life can be lonely u need someone to share your adventure with

[@skeche]

stumbled upon your channel just by the algorithm, and i'm hooked man, don't know what it is but keep your vulnerability and genuine conversations going, keep showing us your van life and just keep being you. I want to go buy a van now

[@StoriesFromaVan]

Sign up to get information about future meetups here! forms.gle/hzJKNno9Ttt542Gq9

[@hippie5316]

Greetings from Vancouver, Canada. I’m curious to hear how your community building is coming along. Any successful meet ups? Make any friends? Interested in dropping by once COVID allows us to travel again. Until then, be strong my brother.

[@nkaujhmoobvwj]

Hi...my husband is in soquel...if u have time, go visit him...he's at the Double Time gas station..his name is Ali. he practically sleep in his car everyday... :( he be thrill to see your van cus he knows that's my dream.

[@ChitchatwithApril]

Excellent van and videos! You are incredibly talented. Lighting, music, timing, topics, presentation. You’re friends are fortunate to meet and know you.

[@lillypatience]

Good luck to you! I have never been one to feel alone, feel bored, or feel the need to be around people. I actually have to carve out time for myself because I can't handle being around people for too long. 99% of the time I prefer to be with my dogs than with people. I hope Santa Cruz is working well for you.

[@LilyGazou]

I’m the same. I’ve been trying to think back to being 21 and if I was lonely. I think I was more longing for travel and adventure.

[@Nightbird.]

Evan. I've seen that look on your face before. And it was in my mirror. You need someone to love. And to love you back. It's that simple. But it's the most important thing you can do in life. Take care, buddy. 💗

[@fredobedo548]

Try to read this book, maybe it can help you : The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You (1996) from Elaine Aron Wish you the best !

[@Anita_Lauren]

This sounds super awesome! For my fellow females though, if you're going to try this definitely ebb on the side of caution. But definitely a great idea!

[@RealJohnnyDingo]

I've broken the code: "Nick" is "Evan" spelled backwards.. with a few different letters... yep totally got it figured out ;)

[@StoriesFromaVan]

😂

[@shawnlee7022]

Hey Evan, that was the first time I watched one of your vlogs. I REALLY enjoyed what YOU said and loved the van ! I have a little deppresion lately ,and am motivated by your vid . Enjoy life and happiness will come ! GOD BLESS

[@menjiii01]

No one should be alone. I would be anyone's friend that needs one.

[@fngonzo]

I moved a lot too, but I took advantage of that. Much like you, I put myself out there and now I can boast that I have friends on 4 different continents . I love the fact that you don't like something in your life, but you have the courage to change it. The is a special gift.

[@ChanceBerryman]

It’s even better to be comfortable doing things alone without feeling lonely

[@Dudlesful]

Dude, I like your style very much. Do what works for you. At 50 years old and single, I've learned to stop trying and start being, if that makes any sense. You seem to have love in your heart so the rest HAS to fall into place. Stay weird. Life is too short.

[@anniecampos8323]

Hey there! Just found your KZbin channel, very interesting content. I live in Santa Cruz County, love the weather here. Makes sence why you'd want to live here. It is surely a magical place. I'll be honest, the flyer idea sounds a bit crazy. I want to believe there are a lot of good people out there, so am glad you talked to people and met some good friends. Am hoping your poster experiment worked as great in Santa Cruz, as they did in SD. Yes, flyer to make friends sounds crazy BUT people did similar stuff before social media. I had a coworker who did a personal post on the newspaper long time ago, got a few replies, and married one of the men she met. Crazy story about me- my husband and I met through "party line." Party line was like a chat room, but over the phone 😅 Been happily together for 11 years. Whether you're seeking g a soulmate or not, hope your flyers make tons of great friends, and you find what your heart desires. Greetings from Watsonville.

[@vick2012ish]

0 down votes I don't think I've ever seen that before

[@jacopodanglars4836]

hate to be that person lol

[@guzz1965]

@@jacopodanglars4836 ... and you feel better now ???

[@jacopodanglars4836]

@@guzz1965 did you press the unlike 👎🏽 button?

[@suryowirawanwibisono3440]

Arent u afraid of someone inviting you too halloween then he dresseup im freddy kruger costume with a real chainsaw?

[@StoriesFromaVan]

I’m ready for it!

[@suryowirawanwibisono3440]

@@StoriesFromaVan loved that positivity..greetings from Indonesia

[@edwardsmith3576]

I love people being real. If your ever in near the Tampa St. Petersburg area let me know. I would love to hear an update about you. Know that you're not alone and I feel the same way very often.

[@MeetSuperDave]

Hey bro, love the vids. I moved to Santa Cruz in my van a couple yrs ago. When’s the next meet up?

[@Ann-cx3dd]

Oh, and completely agree with you about going to a Starbucks or any coffee shop & interacting with the baristas..... this is what I do and I've made friends at all of them - - they know my drink order and are super sweet with me. They don't know this, but just saying hi to them and them remembering me on lonely days has made my day better. People need people......and, it's super important to have community. Absolutely. 🌺

[@GoJoe7]

This was incredibly inspirational and heartfelt, Evan. Thanks.

[@RandyA7]

Have you thought of going back and finishing your degree? Or a different degree?

[@2736492821]

"a specific yearning for people that isn't fulfilled" As a researcher studying loneliness, this description fits right in. I hope you have found friends/partner who could fulfill the yearning by now :)

[@mexguame99]

I also stumbled onto this channel by pure chance. I have two homes and I still envy the way you have chosen to live, so ironic. I really enjoyed your videos and will continue to watch.

[@chrisblunt7627]

Nice video Evan, I talk to strangers all the time, some think I'm nuts others just have a chat and we carry on our separate ways. It might just make someone who's lonely smile and feel good about their day. I recently spotted a park bench that had a note on it, it was something like "This is a chatty bench, if you see someone sitting on their own say hi and have a chat". Take care and have a good day!

[@juliareadscottishpiperandh4861]

I love the way that you recognise the feeling, acknowledge it and then decide that this particular feeling is one to do something about. As humans we aren't meant to be alone (despite what our modern culture would have us believe). I played bagpipes to earn money to pay off debt, but whilst I loved meeting my customers, it did make me feel lonely. I kept getting a God nudge that being here (at a gig, playing at a funeral surrounded by all these people that loved each other yet who I didn't know), that being here wasn't where I was supposed to be. Instead I should be at home and building connections with people in my local community. Connections that would last. So now I have an intentional focus on using my God given musical talents of harp and bagpipes to build connections with - joining a pipe band for example. Based on your videos, your drive and your sociability, something tells me you are going to solve this problem feeling that you have very quickly - now you've set your mind to it. Best of luck

[@beckyh3041]

Good luck in your new adventure in Santa Cruz. I have been watching Van Life videos for a couple years and I know they have "communities" set up to help with the loneliness that can come with Van Life. Some are found on Facebook and even here on KZbin. Maybe you can connect with people that way. Take Care and stay safe.

[@race2mars]

This is so inspiring. I am too introverted and prefer keeping my social circle small - enough so that I wouldn't do this myself, but it sounds like a neat idea on paper. Cool video!

[@Bri-vy7zx]

Good on ya! Feelings are information! Way to go listening to them

[@binhfranklin9959]

Your amazing bro ! Love your content

[@GreatLakesGirl247]

I love your channel Evan. We were made for connection.

[@mrsturtevant1]

I'm your Boardwalk buddy if you ever want to walk at the Boardwalk 😉. But let's avoid the arcade for now

[@StoriesFromaVan]

Hahaha but it’s my favorite part 😂

[@stumcconnell6431]

Evan your content is absolutely amazing! I ❤️ how vulnerable and open you are about struggles you face. Take care man.

[@hanswurst3708]

I love your attitude. Unfortunatly I probably will never see one of your flyers at my town (Berlin), so please give us some more videos at least.

[@StoriesFromaVan]

I’m working on it 😁

[@mickvonbornemann3824]

You’re my hero, Nick/Evan. I want to start up a cult, do you want to be my guru? I’ll be in charge of pharmaceutical supplies & armaments. You can do the recruitment flyers & outfiting the vans till we can offloading those jobs to an underling. Eventually we will send pretty girls out in the vans to posh suburbs to recruit the well monied. What you say?

[@kristianwindsor3951]

Love the b roll and transitions 👌

[@sylviamorrison5223]

love your van builds and your videos. keep up the good work.

[@astoldbylee2746]

I real like this guy. Such a kind heart. I wish I had friends like you

[@yeahnah4303]

You're so handsome! Keep up the cool videos!

[@bebe60602]

Beautiful video, very inspiring 🙏

[@leskobrandon691]

Hey Evan, really enjoyed your video. I'm getting ready to embark on an RV journey also, and by myself. I'm at a different stage in life, 57 y.o., but I think there's a huge beautiful country out there and I'm passing days, months, years in my home city, which I do love, but want more in life. I know it's tight in that van but a pet could provide you with some companionship. Also, I don't know where your roots are or why just California, but there's a great big country out there to see and you might find your perspective change by branching out and exploring different states, cities, national parks, state parks, etc. I know my plans are to keep moving. Stay in an area till I feel I've seen what I came there to see, then move on. Just a thought to maybe consider. You seem like a really good person, which is a great foundation to work from. I admire your guts and willingness to share your vulnerabilities. Good things will come your way. I know that from my experiences and relating them to yours. Be and stay safe my friend. Best wishes to you on your journey. Take care.

[@whymyluckstatsistoolow]

Wait... like wait a sec... 1:30 "single mom of 3"? Lol

[@jdavies212msu]

I came here from your video tour of inside your van. Loved everything about your customization job, right down to the gray design scheme. Really enjoyed this video, and I was taken aback by your transparency midway through, about, what I call, “matters of the heart.” Yet, at the same time, it was refreshing. If you can have a heart-to-heart talk with friends in virtual reality like that, certainly you can come across that sincere with real flesh-and-blood friends. Hope it crosses over seamlessly. I have moved about 35 times in my life, including working or living abroad (now I’m in Asia). I always found an immediate community by getting involved in a church. I know that’s not for everyone, but it’s always worked for me. There’s enough types and brands of churches where almost anyone can find a comfortable community where they feel at home. In many, you don’t even have to believe in God to attend. Quite a surprising number will welcome you with no strings attached. It just takes a bit of searching sometimes. Anyway, I throw that out there for what it’s worth to you. Wish you the best in your search for friendship during your relocation times. Cheers, JD P.S. Just saw your May 20 video. You’re already a step ahead of my shared thots! 😉

[@danielscottburke]

Your honesty and integrity is phenomenal to me. Thank you immensely for sharing your work 🖤

[@tomwilliam5118]

Personally I think that's very dangerous. There are a lot of seriously ill people out there

[@StoriesFromaVan]

Nothing bad has happened to me. I take precautions first and which makes the whole experience safer

[@lilbee5357]

I absolutely love that van of yours. I'll be looking for more videos on how you built it.

[@StoriesFromaVan]

Currently work on a video about the electrical system! My videos take way too long to make 😆

[@parkervarin]

I came across your van tour as the first video I watched. Your ingenuity, craftsmanship, and communication abilities are amazing. Your honest approach to making these flyers as a social experiment for yourself is truly beautiful. I wish you the best. I'm going to watch all your video tonight.

[@hoambeing830]

Love this video, thank you for sharing your awareness ❤

[@JCruzify1]

Nice van. Have you taken a drive to Lake Tahoe? It’s scenic with its snow cap mountain range and the lake is so majestic.

[@StoriesFromaVan]

No I haven’t! But I’ve been to Tahoe in the winter! It’s beautiful!

[@CrazyJoe]

Going to that Halloween part had to be a bit scary at first

[@Deadseelife]

If you lived in new york I’d totally hang with you. 🤷‍♂️ subscribed!

[@BasedAnatoliy]

Bro!! You’re super smart and definitely on to something. Let’s put our minds together and create a business. I really believe teaching coding, qa, or even application support can be taught in a small amount of time.. I also believe many people are wanting to have true freedom. I’m living on my sail boat, saving money for crypto and trying to start a business. Man!!! You are on to something, seriously, it’s not being fulfilled, because just hanging out and doing nothing is not great for the mind.

[@HawaiiGaymer]

You are an inspiration.

[@monesquely]

I saw these flyers around town when I lived in Santa Cruz and thought it was made by someone's friend pranking/trolling them. I didn't realize it was sincere! Sorry to have missed you.

[@absmith4724]

Do you think a girlfriend would help?

[@tango-bravo]

I applaud your creativity to doing this, but I could see this going really wrong as well. There is also Craigslist community and dating websites, where you could say it’s “just for friends”. I could imagine the flyers would get creativity points and might attract certain people and not others. Best of luck to you

[@everythingautomotiveeta5839]

This is so refreshing. In a time everyone can swipe left on you do easy to tangibly put your profile up on the streets for real tangible people may be the trick these days

[@everythingautomotiveeta5839]

Best of luck brother. What a gentle humble soul.

[@everythingautomotiveeta5839]

Next time you visit the LA area let us know!

[@carolyneverett762]

Guess you’re not making videos anymore. You’re a very nice person! Hoping you found a nice girlfriend♥️

[@Ce2009ce]

What a lucky girl she’ll b when u finally find your partner😊You are such a sweet person..I’ve struggled all my life on trying to hve good trusting loyal friends.. I’ve had to realized n except that all the pple I thought were friends were just temporary friend..If I stay too long around any one eventually I start to sense their dislike of me n realize I’m just their useful idiot..My problem is that I care n lik to help others.. with all my caring n help I see that it makes no difference, the friendship didn’t get closer bcz I help n cared ..I’m zero out each day w/these kind of pple after my good deed is done.. it’s as if I did nothing for them..that hurts bcz when any one does anything for me I pay it forward back to them..I just can’t seem to develop strong connection of kindness n care w/others..I must b doing something wrong bcz it’s been lik this all my life n I’ve had a long life.. it’s years of this struggle on not hving good friends..I keep telling myself I need to stop caring be more stoic ..n just go on w/my life on being alone n except that it’s ok to b alone.. except hving temporary friends. I’m now reminding myself all the time that this is how my life has been like ..I shld b use to it..being alone a lot ..I need to embrace that.. n just be happy alone..

[@alexwright6212]

Fair play to you for making taking a chance

[@mohawksniper79]

👍🏼🤠 hey if you ever take a cruise to Ontario Canada near Kingston make a vid and I'll get ahold of you and take ya on a tour of my REZ "reservation". It's nickname is the green mile because it's full of weed stores. 👍🏼🤠Good luck brother