Making Authentic Connections
Once strangers, now friends… a few things to remember when you want to forge a more real relationship.
This weekend, I overheard a woman speaking on the phone that hit my heart like a ton of bricks — as “connected” as she may be, she has never felt more lonely. “I have hundreds of acquaintances but not one friend I could call if I were in trouble,” she sadly stated over the phone. “I see photos of babies being born year after year, and birthday celebrations with families, but I don’t know the woman sitting next to me on the train. I tell myself I am connected, but I’ve never felt more disconnected.”
Holy shit, she’s right, I thought. Our addiction to social ‘connectedness’ has completely altered the true meaning of the word. As we share our lives on social media and connect with others, we sometimes forget what true human connectedness actually is. Life is hard. Life is beautiful. It is messy and it is raw. And sometimes it just sucks. But more often than not, we don’t share our authentic and real side with others. Maybe it’s fear, maybe it’s shyness. But maybe it’s just because, sometimes, we don’t know how. It got me thinking of what an authentic connection is and how we can have more with the hundreds of strangers who cross our paths every day.
Be a listener first. Have you ever tried telling a story to someone who seemed distracted or uninterested? It’s terrible! Don’t be that person. Listen to them with every fiber of your being. If you become distracted, refocus.
Show grace. Every person you see today has an untold story. Every one is fighting their own battle. EV-ER-Y person. Grant them patience and grace just as you wish they would you.
Don’t fear vulnerability. Being open and vulnerable is scary, I know. Actually, I really know — I am quite avoidant and introverted. But there is beauty in connecting with someone over shared openness. As a new student to vulnerability, I can guarantee it will pay off.
Ask sincere questions. As you intently listen to others, hopefully you will cross into a world called curiosity. It’s ok to ask them questions.
Empathy is a strength. Show compassion. Be understanding and warm. And, friends, do not judge.
+Do you feel passionate about this topic, too? What would you add to the list?
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