The "Last Minute, No Pressure" Invitation

Most of us start the new year with the intention to connect more with friends and loved ones. But life gets in the way. Beautifully orchestrated dinner parties, cozy movie nights, and long-overdue phone dates fall through, replaced by busy schedules and second-guessing: I should have planned this weeks ago. What if it feels like an obligation? What if no one shows up? Before we know it, weeks or even months pass.

Enter "last minute, no pressure" (LMNP): a simple way to connect without overthinking or stress.

Last Minute, No Pressure

A friend recently told me their goal last year was to host a monthly dinner party, but they didn’t host a single one. Life gets busy, and even with the best intentions, planning ahead can feel overwhelming. That’s where LMNP comes in.

Source: Mark Cruz/Unsplash

LMNP is a casual, short-notice invite with no expectation to say yes. It eliminates the need for perfection or overthinking, making it as simple as saying, “I was thinking of you, and here’s a chance to connect.” Here’s how it sounds:

• “I’m heading out for a dog walk in an hour. Care to join? LMNP!”
• “LMNP invite: I’ve got a huge pot of soup—help me eat it!”
• “I’m at X coffee shop the next couple hours, swing by if you’re free—LMNP!”
• “LMNP: I’m going to this concert tomorrow. Snag a ticket if you’re interested!”
• “I’m on the road the next couple of hours, call me if you have time to catch up! LMNP!”

The beauty of LMNP is its immediacy. It transforms “I've been meaning to plan something” or “We should get together sometime…” into “I’m doing something now—join me if you can!” Once you explain the acronym (“LMNP = last minute, no pressure”), it resonates instantly—who hasn’t wished for last-minute company? My friend Conor coined it a few years ago, and now it’s become a go-to in my friend group for staying connected.

LMNP and the U.S. Surgeon General

The U.S. Surgeon General has long stressed the vital role of connection in supporting mental and physical well-being. In his book Together, he highlights the loneliness epidemic and reminds us that meaningful connection doesn't need to be complicated—it can be as simple as a potluck. Forget the fancy meals, elegant décor, or embossed invitations. What truly matters is creating frequent opportunities to connect, and that’s where LMNP excels.

A guide to LMNPing

I used to overcomplicate hosting—juggling calendars, RSVP deadlines, and cooking everything myself. It often left me drained and disappointed, like the time I stared into a fridge full of uneaten crème brûlées after a wave of last-minute cancellations. LMNP changed everything. Now, I host recurring potlucks—if a few people come, great; if it’s a crowd, even better. As you explore LMNPing, here are a few tips:

1. Start with what you’re doing anyway: A walk, coffee run, yoga class, or even errands. There’s something special about inviting someone to share everyday life with someone, rather than waiting for a "event."
2. Keep it simple: Choose flexible activities—potlucks, no-reservation restaurants, or “grab-your-own-ticket” events that scale easily and don’t rely on pre-planning.
3. Say “no pressure” and mean it: When it’s easy to say no, a yes becomes about more than obligation or pressure—it reflects a genuine, shared desire to connect.

A New Year of Connection, One LMNP Invitation at a Time

This year, let’s focus on presence, not perfection. A quick catch-up now is far better than countless plans that never happen. Try an LMNP invite this week: a walk, a coffee, or simply sharing a part of your daily life. You might be surprised how often people say yes—and how much it means to them that you asked.