When it comes to having deep, fulfilling relationship, whether they be platonic or romantic, it’s something that is an essential part of having a meaningful human experience. However, not all of us are fortunate enough to have found a soulmate for a partner or have a friendship that has endured since childhood. And that means you may still be looking for those meaningful connections with other people to help fill that essential role of craving a connected relationship with someone else. Making a true connection through friendship or romance can prove to be challenging. But not all hope should be lost. Here are five tips to help you form the deeper, more meaningful relationships that you’re seeking.
Be a Person that Can be Counted on
Everyone needs a person in their life they can count on. And if you’re looking to form a more meaningful connection, then you’ll need to be someone that others can truly count on through thick and thin. This means showing up when you’re needed, calling when you say you will, and not being flaky when it comes to commitments and engagements you’ve promised to attend. Being trustworthy will lead to stronger, longer-lasting relationships.
Look for Connections in the Right Places
Looking for more meaningful connections means also looking in more meaningful places. This means frequently places that are conducive to having conversations and making those connections. Consider places like gatherings for causes you believe in, dog parks, local coffee shops, and meet-up groups. Think of places where you’re likely to meet like-minded people, allowing you to then make like-minded connections which will inevitably strengthen over time.
Make Time to Be There in Person
Of course, the digital age has made communication possible and at our fingertips. From texting to emailing to engaging on social media, there are definitely plenty of platform to choose from when looking to make connections. But if you’re looking to make deeper, more meaningful connections, then one on one time in person will be much more effective. Most people would take a coffee date to catch up with each other in person rather than doing it over text any day.
Be a Skillful Listener
Listening attentively and sincerely is the ideal way to form a lasting, meaningful connection. That means not only being a skillful listener, but knowing when to ask questions and be curious about the conversation and finding out more about others. Allowing someone else to talk makes them feel like they are being genuinely listened to, thus enhancing the connection.
Stop with the Gossiping-
Gossip never really leads to anything good, and definitely doesn’t lead to anything meaningful. If you’re focused on forging meaningful connections, then it’s best to just stop gossiping altogether. Gossiping about others will only tell people that you’re the type of person who likes to talk behind other people’s back and spread false information about them. And that will definitely not lead to a lasting, deep connection with someone else.
In looking to make more meaningful connections with others, just remember to be in tune with yourself and the one you’re trying to make the connection with. Listen to them and use these helpful tips to help forge that connection into one that will endure far into the future.