Have you ever felt lonely in a place where you’re not alone? Have you asked yourself things like “How do I make people feel more connected?” Maybe it’s not them; maybe it was you not giving enough effort to reaching out to people. If making human connections is what your heart desires, this post will guide you through it.
According to a global survey, about 33 percent of adults experienced feelings of loneliness worldwide. With the COVID-19 pandemic limiting face-to-face interactions, people around the globe are suddenly deprived of their social life. Moreover, it negatively impacted their mental health and nutrition as well.
Human connection by definition is the sense of a person’s belongingness and closeness to another person or a group. When relationships with others are healthy, it gives them more meaning of what it really is. Making human connections is not a walk in the park for some people, but it is essential.
Aside from the shared stories and experiences as its benefits, human connection can also improve a person’s overall health. It can boost a person’s self-esteem while also making them cope with stress more easily. Psychological and emotional health also improves along with their lifestyle behavior.
Connecting with another person could mean stepping out of their comfort zones for some people. If you’re someone who craves human connection or is just inherently shy, here are six effective ways that you can try when you’re out there.
Some of us got used to having our phones with us every minute of the day that we feel like we can’t live without them. But if you’re trying to connect with someone, it doesn’t always mean through your smartphones. If you want a real-life connection, it’s time to talk to someone in person.
When at a party, it only makes sense to chat with your friends and even strangers instead of staying on your phone. People may only see you as a snub and won’t try to approach you even if they want to. Try being present when you’re around people and strike up a conversation or two.
When you’re talking to someone whom you share the same interests with, you will likely notice that they are easier to talk to. You are also less likely to run out of topics during conversations which can help you bond with them longer.
If you like team sports, like basketball, you can try joining a local team and participating in tournaments if you’re confident in your skills. This can help you connect effortlessly since you’re working as a team and you need to have effective communication with one another.
If you like chess, playing musical instruments or even reading, you’ll definitely find a club in your area to help you socialize with people with shared hobbies.
While first impressions don’t necessarily last, it would help if you smile at people genuinely. When you give out a positive aura, they will be more likely to befriend you. People also tend to be drawn to optimistic people than those who take things negatively.
To train your brain to be optimistic, here are the things you can try doing:
Some people who find it hard to connect with people usually feel intimidated and fear rejection. Because of that, they don’t make an effort to initiate a conversation and instead wait for others to talk to them first. If you want genuine human connection, stepping outside of your comfort zone is needed as well as being confident.
Here are some ways that can boost your confidence:
When people see that you have high walls built around you, it will be difficult for them to know the real you. Allow yourself to be vulnerable to people you trust, but not too much. Make sure to set healthy boundaries and share things you’re comfortable sharing. In that way, they can also be vulnerable around you, hence, you’ll share a deeper bond.
For example, you can share your favorite food while you’re out for lunch. If you’re a student, you can try sharing notes with a classmate. Little steps like these can help you build a connection as time goes by.
If you’ve already connected with someone, a one-time conversation is not enough. For human connection to thrive, you need to check in with them from time to time. Just like equipment, a strong relationship needs proper maintenance for it to work. You have to make time for people you’re connected with and they will do that for you, too.
For instance, if you found a new friend, don’t forget to catch up some time so you can grow your friendship. You can also maintain your connection with family, existing friends, and even coworkers. When you give time to people who are important to you, you’ll surely build a deeper connection with them.
Making human connections is a need for all of us. You may be an introvert, but social interactions will help you grow as an individual. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your family, friends, or even strangers if you ever feel lonely. You are more likely to live a more fulfilling life if you have meaningful and healthy relationships with the people around you.
In your experience, how do you make connections? Was it easy or challenging for you? Share this post and your thoughts about making human connections.
View Comments