Cecilia invites strangers over for pizza to tackle loneliness

A 19-year-old from Randers is hosting about 20 strangers for pizza and games before they head out together, in an effort to help people make friends, DR reports.

Cecilia Boje Holmstrøm-Hansen said she often spent weekends at home watching videos on TikTok and Instagram, feeling that everyone else was having a great time while she had no friends. Her loneliness became so severe that she stopped attending high school for a period.

Just before the summer break, a group of girls contacted her on TikTok and invited her out. She said it meant a lot that they opened up their circle and included others.

The experience inspired Cecilia to invite people herself. She posted in a Facebook group for people in Randers, asking everyone to come to a party. The post quickly drew many comments, and people of different ages, personalities and genders are expected at her home.

Cecilia, who is taking a gap year before studying to become a social educator, said she believes many young people find it hard to get out from behind screens and make friends. Her mother has told her that making friends was easier when she was young.