Building authentic relationships has become vital for personal and professional growth in a world where genuine connections are rare. Here, we explore the key strategies for developing more profound, meaningful relationships with those around you.
There are plenty of situations where you need to connect with new people. You may have switched jobs or cities, become a budding entrepreneur looking for investors or customers, or maybe the inevitable but dreaded family gatherings or job conferences are looming closer. Whatever your situation, human connection is a vital part of our existence. When done right, it can deepen your relationships, open opportunities, and create a great sense of belonging and well-being.
If you have social anxiety, you probably envy people who can effortlessly make acquaintances with strangers and find common ground with almost everyone. Luckily, this is not an innate skill but one you can learn and practice whether you’re introverted or extroverted.
This article explores ways to build professional, social, and emotional connections with others.
How to connect with people
Be comfortable with being uncomfortable
Meeting new people may not be easy if you have social anxiety, have had terrible experiences in the past, or have met people with a completely different outlook on life. However, you must leave your comfort zone and show empathy and relatability to build connections and relationships.
Being vulnerable is quite difficult, but it helps build genuine relationships because people know the real you from the get-go — you won’t build a relationship based on lies. However, vulnerability doesn’t mean dumping your emotional baggage or darkest thoughts on strangers or acquaintances.
Ask questions
Asking questions is tricky because it may quickly become a Q&A session where the other person just gives short answers. To avoid this monotonous way of interacting, show genuine admiration and interest in the other person’s hobbies or life, ask open-ended questions that invite conversation, and share a glimpse of your life. Good questions will allow you to find similarities, which are the cornerstone of every relationship.
For example, you may say: “I have recently finished watching an exciting documentary about blue whales. What do you love watching?”
Respect other people’s boundaries
When interacting with someone, you’ll notice topics that make them uncomfortable or what their limits are. Ensure you don’t press on if they don’t want to explore subjects like their dating life, politics, religion, or background. Sometimes, people want to leave their past behind them.
If someone is open to sharing their life, go beyond surface talk and explore deep conversations about their beliefs, culture, ambitions, and fears. Most of us fear deep discussions during our first interactions, but shallow conversations are often unfulfilling and draining. That said, show respect even if you disagree with someone’s politics or religion.
You don’t have to be friends
Most people fear interactions with new people because they feel the pressure of becoming friends. However, you can have a looser connection with your coworkers or neighbors without being the best of friends.
Also, to build a deeper relationship, start with micro-commitments. These include baby steps like exchanging numbers, sending them a social media invite, or grabbing a quick snack together. Remember, at one point, you will meet someone who doesn’t want to interact with you. Don’t take it personally.
Active listening
Listening isn’t enough if you’re looking to build authentic relationships; practice active listening. It involves listening with an open mind, without judging or constantly interrupting. As mentioned, you may not like someone’s opinions. Still, active listening will help you appreciate people’s diversity and different approaches to problems.
People like to interact with people who make them feel understood. However, avoid giving false compliments, which will make others distrust you.
Maintain eye contact and offer a genuine smile
Eye contact and a genuine smile show the other person you are attentive and interested in what they say. It shows that your mind is not elsewhere and helps them open up more and trust you. So avoid using your phone or gadgets when interacting with new people. And if you are occupied at the moment, you can tell them that and schedule time to socialize with them,
Start slow
Don’t dive into the deep end too fast because you may burn out your patience, come off as fake, or become disappointed when some people seem uninterested in you. Becoming adept at human connection is a skill that you hone slowly. You can start by asking for feedback from people in your inner circle before moving outwards.
Takeaway
Connecting with new people is a crucial aspect of self-growth because it gives a sense of safety and belonging, boosts professional success, and improves physical and mental health. Even if you are an introvert, you can connect better with others by exploring deeper conversations, listening actively, going out of your comfort zone, and respecting other people’s boundaries.
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