ANTI-LONELINESS
  • Home
  • About
    • Me
    • Loneliness
    • The Project
    • My Team
    • Testimonials
    • Privacy Policy
  • Services
    • Therapy & Counseling
    • Couples Counseling
    • Online Counseling
    • Supervision
    • Internship
    • Support Groups >
      • Divorce Support Group
      • Grief Support Group
  • Academy
    • Academy for All
    • All Courses
    • From Conflict to Connection
    • How to stop Perfectionism
    • How much of a Perfectionist are you?
    • Burnout Recovery: from exhaustion to resilience
    • How to stop Procrastinating
    • Σεμιναριο για τις σχεσεις
    • Divorce Recovery Programme
    • Grief Recovery Programme
  • Blog
    • Loneliness
    • Self-Development
    • Relationships
    • Family
  • RESOURCES
    • Extra Resources
    • In the Media
    • BOOKS >
      • Books for everyone
      • Books for professionals
    • CARDS
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About
    • Me
    • Loneliness
    • The Project
    • My Team
    • Testimonials
    • Privacy Policy
  • Services
    • Therapy & Counseling
    • Couples Counseling
    • Online Counseling
    • Supervision
    • Internship
    • Support Groups >
      • Divorce Support Group
      • Grief Support Group
  • Academy
    • Academy for All
    • All Courses
    • From Conflict to Connection
    • How to stop Perfectionism
    • How much of a Perfectionist are you?
    • Burnout Recovery: from exhaustion to resilience
    • How to stop Procrastinating
    • Σεμιναριο για τις σχεσεις
    • Divorce Recovery Programme
    • Grief Recovery Programme
  • Blog
    • Loneliness
    • Self-Development
    • Relationships
    • Family
  • RESOURCES
    • Extra Resources
    • In the Media
    • BOOKS >
      • Books for everyone
      • Books for professionals
    • CARDS
  • Contact

How To Build Meaningful Connections with Others

1/3/2023

0 Comments

 

How To Build Meaningful Connections with Others

build-connection
In today's world, where technology and social media dominate our interactions, it is easy to feel disconnected from those around us. However, research shows that building and maintaining strong connections with others is essential for our well-being and happiness. In this article, we will explore the many benefits of connection and how we can foster meaningful relationships in our lives.

What is Human Connection (& What is it Not)?

When it comes to connecting with others, it is important to first understand what connection is not. First of all, connection is not built through purely intellectual debates or conversations. For example, debating with someone about politics, discussing about sustainability, or about the beauty of nature does not necessarily mean you are connecting with the other. While these interactions may seem intense and interesting in the moment, they often lack the emotional element that brings people together. After such conversations, it is common to find that you do not even remember the person or may even be upset with them. Intellectual debates or conversations simply do not guarantee meaningful and deep connection.

Similarly, forming relationships through social media does not guarantee connection. You might see what they are doing, who they are, and what they like, but the relationship will likely lack the depth and breadth of a true connection. Likewise, mentorship relationships also fall short at creating authentic connections. Think about the relationship you might have with your teacher, coach, or therapist; while these relationships may be helpful and aid in personal growth, they lack the balance of a two-way relationship. In mentorship relationships, for example, one person is helping another but is not receiving any help back from the other person. For a relationship to be considered true connection, it must be two-way, equal, and balanced. Simply put, if a relationship is one way, it is not a meaningful connection.

What is Authentic Connection?

So, what exactly is connection? Well, it is more than just a simple interaction between two people. True connection is a relationship where both individuals share a mutual respect and trust for one another. They feel comfortable and safe in each other's presence, and they are willing to turn to each other for advice, support, and guidance during tough times. In these types of relationships, both parties have a deep understanding and knowledge of each other's personal lives, struggles, and challenges. It is a two-way street where both people share and contribute equally, resulting in a balanced and authentic connection.

To define connection, we can turn to the words of Brené Brown, who has extensively studied meaningful connections. According to her, "Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued. When two people can give and take without judgment and when they derive sustenance and strength from this relationship." In simpler terms, connection is not just about specific actions or behaviors; it is about the energy that arises between two individuals when they are fully present with each other and share a sense of mutual respect, trust, and support. This kind of connection can be a source of nourishment and empowerment for both parties involved.

2 Benefits of Connecting with Others

Now that we have a better understanding of what connection entails, you may be wondering why it is important to cultivate authentic connections with others. The truth is, there are many benefits to making connections, both for your physical and mental health. Some of the benefits include:

1. It makes you happier

Building authentic connections can have a significant impact on our overall well-being, including our mental health. Research has shown that even individuals struggling with mental health issues can experience improved mood and happiness when they establish meaningful connections with others. Connection can make life more enjoyable and fulfilling, and it is not just limited to personal relationships. Even in professional settings, creating a connection with your audience can be a powerful tool in building successful relationships. By valuing and understanding your audience, you can establish a deeper connection that benefits both parties.

2. It makes you healthier

Building meaningful connections with others not only positively impacts our mental health but also our physical health. When we have a strong social support system, we feel stronger and more resilient, allowing us to better cope with physical challenges and illnesses. Additionally, having a sense of purpose and belonging through our connections can lead to improved overall well-being, including increased energy levels, productivity, and a greater enjoyment of life. It is no surprise that studies have shown a link between social support and a longer lifespan, indicating just how essential meaningful connections are for our health and longevity.

How To Build Meaningful Connection with Others

You may be curious about how to cultivate deeper and more meaningful connections with others. Based on my clinical experience, I have observed certain key ingredients that can help improve the quality of our connections. Let's delve into them.

1. Be yourself

It may sound like a cliché, but the first step to building meaningful connections with others is to be authentic and true to yourself. When we put on a mask or pretend to be someone else, we hinder our ability to connect on a deeper level. When we pretend to be someone we are not or strive to be perfect, it becomes difficult to form a genuine connection. In order to establish an authentic connection, we need to reveal our true selves and not hide behind a façade. It is important to be honest about who we are and what we stand for, as this allows others to see us for who we truly are. By being our genuine selves, we open the door for genuine connections with others.

2. Be genuinely interested in others

To truly connect with someone, we need to be genuinely interested in them. This means putting aside our own desires to impress or show off, and actively listening to what the other person has to say. Quality over quantity is also important in building meaningful connections. It is not about how many people we talk to or how many friends we make, but rather the depth of the connections we build. We should strive to add quality to our conversations by being genuinely interested in the other person and seeing them for who they are, rather than just trying to make it through a list of people at a party.

3. Practice empathy

Another important element of building connections is leaving judgment behind and practicing empathy. This involves putting yourself in someone else's shoes and trying to see the world through their eyes. By understanding their perspective and emotions, you can establish a real and meaningful connection. Emotions play a crucial role in communication and building connections. When we approach others with warmth and an open heart, we can convey our messages and understand theirs. It is important not to underestimate the power of emotions and feelings in connecting with others.

Final Message

To sum up, connection is a vital energy that exists between two people when they feel seen, heard, and valued. It is important to reflect on your relationships and see if they tick these boxes. If not, think about what you can do to add empathy, quality, and genuine interest in these relationships. And, if you ever need someone to talk to or guidance on how to build meaningful connections with others, we are here for you. Our doors are always open, and we will listen to you with an open heart and provide support in any way we can. Remember, you are not alone. Take care.

What's Next

  • Join AntiLoneliness Academy, and find the tools to better face your current challenges.
  • If perfectionism is getting in the way of having fulfilling relationships, get the FREE guide "How Much of a Perfectionist Are You?" and find out which perfectionist tendencies you struggle with.
  • Sign up for my newsletter here and get the FREE 40-page guide/workbook on Self-Care filled with practical tips that can make your life more peaceful and balanced.  
  • For Book recommendations on Relationships:
    • The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
    • Rebuilding
    • Healing From Infidelity
    • After the Affair
  • Watch our videos with Psychology tips and insights on Burnout, Relationships, Perfectionism, Anxiety, etc. ​
  • Don't let your situation pull you down, contact me and start your own therapy journey.
  • Join our Facebook page and Instagram page and read more posts about relationships.
Picture
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Relationships

    YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHERS.

    To be with someone else in an intimate relationship means that we entitle them with our love, friendship, partnership, etc, and most of the times this is irrelevant of their talents, values, morals. No skill can lead to an emotional decision. Therefore, we can feel the same passion for a hero or for a coward. Being loved is not something we earned (like a job through an interview), but something that was given to us generously, like an unspoken favor. Thus, love means to live in the eternal coexistence of terror and miracle. (Pascal Bruckner)

    Archives

    December 2022
    November 2022
    July 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    October 2021
    September 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    March 2021
    September 2020
    September 2019
    June 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    February 2016
    January 2016
    October 2015

    Categories

    All
    Anger
    Angry
    Anxiety
    Anxious Attachment
    Apologize
    Appreciation
    Attachment
    Avoidance
    Avoidant
    Balance
    Boundaries
    Breakup
    Childhood
    Codependent
    Commitment
    Complicated
    Conflict
    Connection
    Counseling
    Couple
    Couples
    Couples Therapy
    Dating
    Dating Someone With Depression
    Denial
    Disconnection
    Divorce
    Divorce Support Group
    Emotional Needs
    Emotions
    Empathy
    Fear
    Feelings
    Fight
    Forgiveness
    Functioning Depression
    Gaslighting
    Gay
    Giref
    Guilt
    High Functioning Depression Symptoms
    How To Move On
    How To Support Someone With Depression
    Independent
    Interdependent
    Kindness
    Lgbtq+
    Loneliness
    Lonely
    Love
    Marriage
    Mindfulness
    Narcissism
    Narcissist
    Not Good Enough
    Partner
    Pattern
    Perfectionism
    Perfectionist
    Perfect Partner
    Persistent Depressive Disorder
    Persistent Depressive Disorder Symptoms
    Process
    Protection
    Psychologist
    Pursuer
    Rejected
    Rejection
    Relationships
    Responsibility
    Roles
    Rollercoaster
    Sad
    Safety
    Self-worth
    Separation
    Shocked
    Signs
    Support
    Tips
    Toxic
    Trust
    Unconscious
    Understanding
    Unloved
    Vassia Sarantopoulou
    Victim
    Withdraw
    Withdrawer

    RSS Feed

Counseling

Personal Counseling
Couples Counseling
OnLine Counseling 
​
GROUP COUNSELING 

​Grief Support
Divorce Support 
​Therapy Group 

Blog

Loneliness
​Self-Development
Relationships
​Family 

About

Me
​My Team
Contact 
​The Cards
Privacy Policy ​
NIP Psycholoog
Vassia Sarantopoulou
Head Psychologist - Founder of AntiLoneliness

​Therapy for expats and locals 
Leiden - The Hague - online 
​

Member of the Netherlands Institute of Psychologists (NIP)

© COPYRIGHT 2022. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.