Have you ever changed jobs or moved to an unfamiliar city, only to find yourself wondering how to connect with new people? However, a connection is a part of what it means to be human. When we can do it well, our lives are far more fulfilling. Maybe it conjures up images of awkward small talk at corporate mixers or a stack of business cards gathering dust in your drawer. The truth is, meaningful professional relationships shape your career in ways you might not even realize (psst.. job referrals anyone?).
When you focus on seeing the best in others, they feel it. Genuinely naming and reflecting these superpowers can deepen your connection. By acknowledging and appreciating the unique qualities of those around you, you build a foundation of mutual respect and admiration. The initial moments of meeting someone are crucial for setting the tone of your interaction.
For example, if you ask your coworker about their 5-year plan, they may give you a long-winded answer. In the end, they should then ask you what your goals are. Pretending to be someone you aren’t can lead your relationships to be built on lies and cause confusion in the future. People make mistakes when they desperately want to fit in, but they forget that being yourself is how you make genuine connections. In some cases, making a connection takes more effort. In fact, most of the time, making new friends doesn’t happen automatically.
Sometimes, just spending quality time together, such as going for a walk, cooking, or enjoying a hobby, can nurture the bond. It’s also good to reach out to old friends to rebuild your social network. Catching up with former classmates, colleagues, or others can revive old friendships. Being around supportive friends protects us from the harm of being alone for too long. Adults with strong friendships are less likely to get depression, high blood pressure, and unhealthy weight.
There’s nothing mysterious about the power of proximity. The more you see someone, the more opportunities you have to smile at one Asianfeels review another, say hello, strike up a conversation, and discover common interests. However, the power of proximity is also due to a very basic psychological phenomenon known as the mere exposure effect.
Maybe you eat lunch with a colleague who works in an entirely different part of the company. You don’t understand each other’s jobs or seem to have obvious common ground. If you form a strong connection with another person, you can build a meaningful relationship. And if you already have a relationship with a person, learning how to connect well with others can make it that much better. Unfortunately, not everyone is excited to start making new connections.
