Sensitivity can now be cool and sexy thanks to a woman from Toronto

It’s not easy feeling like you’re the most sensitive person in the room. Not only can it be difficult, it can also feel awkward, overwhelming or even panic-inducing. Being extra sensitive sometimes doesn’t even feel acceptable in society, much less sexy, cool, or something to work towards.

One woman is on a mission to change all that, and to make sensitivity sexy and connection cool.

That’s the purpose behind Cool to Connect, a conversation deck that tries to get people to go deeper with their chats. Think of it almost like a therapeutic version of Cards Against Humanity.

Questions in some of their classic conversation decks are simple but thought provoking, such as who said “I love you” first in your relationship, what’s something that everyone should experience in life, or when you last cried.

Cool to Connect is the brainchild of entrepreneur Dana Clark, who has experience in journalism and media, but launched the decks as her first ever business offering a physical product.

“The purpose for my card game company essentially came from a personal need to create a cool way to have deep conversations. I always felt like the most sensitive kid in the room,” Clark tells YourCityWithIN.com.

“This tool allows people to dive deeper, and ask the real questions to get to the root of the problem. Which, in my opinion, is a society with a lack of connection. I want to make connection feel sexy, mainstream, modern, accessible, fun, and most of all, cool.”

Clark began launching the idea as 2020 dawned, and little did she know that the world was already headed in a direction that would bring the need for sensitivity, deep conversation and prioritizing mental health to the forefront.

“People don’t love to talk about their feelings. It’s not exactly a sexy thing to sell, but that’s why my mission is so important,” says Clark.

She envisions the deck as a conversation starter for date nights or group hangs, but has been boldly public about spreading the word about Cool to Connect by promoting use of the decks at places like yoga studios or lively events.

“My in person events are raved about. Strangers come together, connect with one another, experience a safe and meaningful environment, and leave with the tools to foster connection in their lives daily. It’s truly an everlasting confidence that you feel in your emotions after you use Cool To Connect,” says Clark.

“People share what they want to, depending on the environment they’re using the cards. You can either get to know a coworker on a new level, or share something so deeply with a loved one that ultimately changes the trajectory of their relationship in a beautiful way.”

Cool to Connect continuously sells out of their classic deck, which Clark describes as “PG,” and “versatile” enough for “date night, coworkers, family and friends, icebreakers, team building, retreats, journal prompts.” They also have another popular deck that doubles as a regular deck of cards for an even more accessible, versatile and unintimidating vibe.

“I won’t stop until Cool To Connect is a household name,” says Clark.