Beyond the Surface - Apr. 2, 2026

Beyond the Surface takes you on a connection adventure that is a breath of fresh air for those of us who appreciate an opportunity to really engage in more than just small talk. It's hard to meet new people and when you do, it's often surface level chit chat. Beyond the Surface was created to test the boundaries of the Intimacy Cards in order to prove that intimacy can be created outside of the traditional relationships... in fact, it can happen between strangers. This event is not about finding someone to date. It's about discovering people through more intimate interactions. You'll discover more about yourself in this process as well. 

Using the Intimacy Cards she created, Sharlene Durfey François leads you through multiple rounds of connections, alternating partners throughout the evening. The Intimacy Cards have Emotional, Physical and Energetic Intimacy prompts. You will be encouraged to let down your walls, practice vulnerability and to open up and share aspects of yourself with different people in order to create connections in a safe space. This is a judgement free zone where weird is wonderful and being yourself is highly encouraged. It's not about fitting in, it's about finding the people who fit with you.

As you alternate partners between rounds, you'll experience intimacy in a new light. Think of it like a new type of game night where the the prize just might be a new friend or maybe even more. Let’s remove expectations and allow yourself to prioritize human connection first. A stranger is just someone you haven't gotten to know yet. So please come with friends or alone, with an open mind and an open heart.

Curiosity is your subconscious wanting you to experience life. Give in and try something new! Space is limited. Every ticket comes with a limited time 5€ voucher for a deck of Intimacy Cards. Go home with your own deck and continue to go beyond the surface anytime.

The venue is a new location.. it's a private home, so you'll get the address in your ticket confirmation email.

Tips: Bring your own house shoes! And tell your friends! Let's make this first one of the year to be special, cozy and extra connected!

What are people saying about Beyond the Surface?

"One thing which many people value about Berlin is its anonymity. We’ve all had this encounter with a character, which would be unthinkable in a different environment than a place like Berlin. However, walking through the city’s streets, being surrounded by strangers, it requires courage to make contact and interact with people, something we all need to do every now and then.

Even more so it takes courage to dive into a pool of strangers and talk to them about intimate life situations.

This setup facilitates just that: opening up to a stranger without judgement while remaining as anonymous as liked. I happened to get engaged into the most interesting and encouraging conversations with the person I least expected it when entering the room. It feels like a confessional box, but with „real“ people, being just as humble and as vulnerable as you are. The great thing about those cards is that your partners‘ openness just reflects your own and sometimes that openness escalates with each turn of response you take. Those reflections about your life situations may reveal a complete new viewpoint on your actions, feelings and thoughts." -Eric Förster

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"It can be incredibly hard to make friends in a new city, especially in one as transient as Berlin. Creating a true connection that’s not rooted in clubbing or bar hopping can feel next to impossible.

That’s why Beyond the Surface is such a breath of fresh air. In only a few hours a room full of strangers become familiar friends. In a day and age where so much focus is on what separates us from one another, it’s truly refreshing and magical to see the ways in which we connect through shared experience.

Sharlene’s super power has always been connecting people, and with this event + her Intimacy Cards she’s created a way for that ability to create connections to grow + become something of its own.

Unlike so many intimacy coaches/events/classes, Beyond the Surface is truly its own thing. There’s no pretentiousness or hierarchy- just true connection, lots of laughter and people willing to open themselves to one another.

I highly recommend this event to anyone who is looking for connection and friendship + a true definition of what intimacy is.

100% will come again." - Kimi Recor

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“I am so very grateful to Sharlene Durfey Francois, the creator of the Intimacy Cards, who started this beautiful event, Beyond the Surface in co-operation with the incredible heart-warming, non-smoking bar, Honey Lou. They created this little island of connection through a 'simple' card game that shoots for the heart and creates moments of interconnectedness for me and the people with whom I talked to, which I touched (consent confirmed) or at whom I looked at, all of which I have literally never done like this before in my life. 

It was a bit uncomfortable in moments but in the good kind of way. I was reminded of the ease on a playground as a child, when meeting as play mates for the moment. I felt similarly paired to the freedom I experienced in the rave culture that provided much needed love for me when I was growing up. 

I wish this experience 'Beyond the Surface' to create an intimate place in many more people's souls and bodies."  - Seah Zenker

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“Attending 'Beyond the Surface' was truly empowering, set in an intimate environment where everyone exuded warmth and hospitality from the moment I walked in. It was eye-opening, showing how you can really click with people just by asking interesting questions and caring about what they have to say. Can't wait to go back for more good times.” - Sebastian Smogar

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“I'm glad I was able to join this amazing session where I felt comfortable to share my mind, my emotions, my energy and a little bit of skin in this fun & safe space you created for us. It was refreshing to genuinely connect with other people, outside the mundane small chat that usually taps into our preconceptions, inhibiting meaningful conversations/ interactions.” - Florian Curran

Cancellation Policy

I will issue refunds up to 24 hours before the event. This way people on the Waiting list will be able to attend.  If you missed the event, I am happy to have give you a credit to attend a future event as long as it's not sold out.