Start Making More Meaningful Connections
A meaningful connection is a relationship between two people based on mutual understanding, respect, and trust. It's a relationship in which both people feel seen, heard, and accepted for who they are. These relationships form between friends, family, romantic partners, or even strangers.
Meaningful connections are important because they provide us with a sense of belonging, support, and love. They help us feel understood, accepted, and valued. They can also make us feel happier and healthier.
Here are a few ways to make more meaningful connections in your life:
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Be honest and authentic with yourself and others.
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Be willing to get to know people on a deeper level.
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Be open to sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
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Be supportive and understanding of others.
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Be patient and persistent. It takes time to build meaningful connections.
According to relationship therapist Isadora Alman MFT, CST, "It has been proven in experiments over and over again that people fall in love with and/or marry those who are physically close to them — in classrooms, at work, or living right next door. If you are out of class, out of office work, and there is no suitable boy or girl next door, then what?"
Now that you're not in grade school anymore, it's difficult to meet new people. Start attending group activities where you'll see the same people consistently — but where do you even start?
Hobby Clubs
Join a club or class for a hobby you enjoy or something you want to learn or do more often. Meeting someone that has similar interests to you is a great foundation for a connection!
Here are some ideas of hobbies and activities to participate in:
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Pottery club: Learn how to sculpt mugs, vases, and more in a pottery class while meeting new people. Pottery classes are a perfect place to chat with new people while you work on something with your hands.
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Book club: Do you love reading? Find a local, or even virtual, book club that meets on a regular basis and reads books of a genre you enjoy. Meet people who also love to read.
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Game clubs: Whether you want board games, poker, or video games, there are plenty of groups that meet up for gaming! Choose your niche, and start making friends with fellow gamers.
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Music clubs: Music clubs are a great way to learn a new instrument, meet people who share your love of music, and perform in front of an audience. There are many different types of music clubs, such as band clubs, choir clubs, and orchestra clubs.
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Crafting clubs: Check out your local craft store for classes or groups to join. Learn how to make cool crafts while chatting with people in a meaningful way.
Fitness Groups
If you love physical activities or want to get more into fitness, find a niche that interests you. Use social media or other internet searches to find a local group that meets for this activity. Choose something that you'll attend regularly.
Common fitness groups to join include:
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Yoga: Attending the same yoga class regularly gives you an opportunity to meet new people. Say good morning to the cutie on the mat next to you, ask someone to grab a cup of coffee after class, and socialize with your fellow yogis.
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Rock climbing: People who rock climb are notorious for having outgoing personalities and fostering deep friendships with their fellow climbers. Introduce yourself to some climbers to master climbing and make new connections.
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Dance: Ecstatic dance, Bachata, contact dance, Zouk, salsa, ballet, hip-hop, and contemporary dance are just a few popular examples of classes and groups you can join. Some even require you to dance with a partner, guaranteeing opportunities to make connections!
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Acroyoga: Search on Facebook to find a local acroyoga group and start attending classes or jams that combine yoga and acrobatics. Build trust as you get to know somebody in a playful way.
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Volleyball: Engage in a team sport to get to know people. Working as a team is a great way to meet new people and start connecting. Plus, volleyball is fun!
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Hiking: Find a local group that goes for hikes together and attend their next adventure. Walking through nature is a great way to connect with someone, and you already have one cool hobby in common!
Volunteer Work
Choose a volunteer opportunity that you're passionate about. When you care about the work you're doing, it's easier to connect with others who are also passionate about it. Be open to starting conversations with people by asking why they're volunteering, what other hobbies they have, and other interesting questions to get to know them!
According to U.S. Census results published in 2023, 23 percent of adults formally volunteered in 2022. While this amount has significantly increased, likely with the help of COVID, there are never enough volunteers! Do a good deed while finding something you want — new connections.
Decide what kind of volunteer work calls to you:
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Food bank: Help locals in need by providing food or organizing and distributing donations. You're guaranteed to find other people who care about the same social cause as you and maybe make a new meaningful connection.
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Habitat for Humanity: Help build houses for the less fortunate with a cool group of people through this global nonprofit organization. Hammering drywall and painting shudders is a great avenue to start a conversation with someone!
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Animal shelter: Connect with fellow animal lovers while helping puppies and kitties without homes. Play with animals, take them for walks, and find a new best friend or date.
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Environmental: Attend a park clean up, plant trees, start a community garden, or advocate for environmental protection. There are so many ways to help the environment, and it's a great place to spark up conversation while you work. You'll be hungry after, so ask a cutie to grab lunch with you at your favorite spot.
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Teaching: Lean into your expertise and coach a local soccer team, host yoga classes in the park, or help people learn to use Photoshop. Connect with students that come to your lesson or other volunteers in the same field.
Enjoy an Activity While Making Connections
You're sure to meet new people when you start a new activity or join a new group! Even if you don't find your new BFF or romantic partner, you still enjoy a fun, fulfilling activity while practicing your social skills. Put yourself out there and enjoy the benefits of making meaningful connections.
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