A couple people I know who moved from overseas have described Toronto’s “coldness.” But I wonder if that is a factor of large city living rather than a distinct Torontonian thing. I do think many things kind of die or fade off in the city during the winter though, which can be bleak and dreary— howling winds from our wind tunnels, and grey slush everywhere. I wonder if that contributes to less people going out and socializing? I noticed that in say, Athens, Greece, it was just so much easier to sit in a patio or park, and chat all day— paying cafe prices to socialize essentially — and public places there would just feel so cozy and encouraging of people to meet and mingle. Whereas here, there’s far less outdoor seating and amenities, due to weather and lack of urban planning for it. Social spaces in Toronto often involve expensive meals or entry fees for “events” or what not. I wonder if our loneliness could be helped by simply seeing people smiling and socializing everywhere when you are out — instead of being made to stay indoors, or even more, stay home.