While researchers and health professionals promote the virtues of connection for overall well-being, there are important factors preventing us from engaging in, or even talking about, relationship experiences. Cultural norms, gender expectations, and busyness steer us away from personal conversations. We worry we may not have the skills or the time to field the depth of such dialogue.
Defining connection is also tricky.
We may accept that personal connection is important, but we can’ t expect a single word to encompass the variety of shared experiences that energize us. One person’ s preferred connection might be different from another’ s: big parties or intimate gatherings, small groups or one-on-one conversations. Describing connection is nuanced, because what works for one doesn’ t work for all.
And, of course, we inherently know that connections make us vulnerable.
Deep connections require trust, accountability, and respect. Real connection comes in stages, and we are wise to feel cautious when it comes to sharing our innermost feelings. Furthermore, we know that connection opens us to loss, so we rationalize that avoiding possible loss is safer.
No wonder connecting on a human level is daunting! How can we lean into the need for connection with confidence and curiosity?
RETHINKING HOW WE RECONNECT Interestingly, we are generally more open to creative solutions when we normalize a challenge. What if we borrow some of technology logic by acknowledging the universal challenge of maintaining interpersonal connections? What if we promote a general understanding that glitches and lost connections are an ordinary function of life? What if we normalize asking for help when we feel disconnected?
Think about connection on a continuum, with different degrees of connection and vital reasons for nurturing relationships.
We benefit from intimate partnerships, family, and close friends. We also need connections that are based on shared interests and experiences. Community is based on a network of relationships, and we are more stable when our relationships extend beyond a single person or an insular group.
Navigating and prioritizing interpersonal connections can seem overwhelming at times, but it helps to consider investing different energy according to the degree of connection.
50 PEACHYTHEMAGAZINE. COM