Making New Connections

Sian321 · February 14

Hey folks! So, I’ve noticed a few of us sharing that we’d like to build more, or closer, social connections, whether that’s in real life or online. At the same time, it can feel daunting, or hard to know where to begin!

As social creatures, the desire to belong, to feel close to others, and to both give and receive care is deeply human and completely valid. And yet, creating those connections isn’t always straightforward. We might feel nervous or self-doubting. There may be practical or logistical barriers that make it difficult to cross paths with new people. Past experiences might leave us feeling cautious or unsure. It can feel complicated, and that's so valid.

At the same time, Community is a space where meaningful connections are already being formed by you! The perspectives, experiences, and skills you build here through listening, sharing, empathising, and showing up are valuable, and they can travel with you beyond this space, too.

Thinking about this, I'm curious….

What have you learned here in Community that you’d like to carry into the way you're making or seeking social connections elsewhere?
Is there someone already in your life (online or offline) that you’d like to get to know a little more?
What does being a good friend mean to you?
What’s one small, manageable step you could take as a mini goal to deepen or create a connection?
Is there anyone within Community who you've never replied to before that you'd like to build a connection with?

Sian321 · February 14

If socialising feels daunting to you, Community can be a space for learning and experimenting!! The interactions you have here, both on Boards, in Chats, and within Threads, can be gentle opportunities to notice what feels good and what doesn’t to you. For example, you might begin to see what helps you feel safe, understood, or closer to someone, and what creates distance or discomfort? You may notice the kinds of messages you appreciate receiving, the ways you like to show up for others, or the boundaries that feel important to you. All of this is really valuable information about the kinds of relationships and connections you want to build!

I’d really invite you to reflect on what you’re discovering about yourself through being here, and to consider how those insights might support you in building connections in spaces beyond Community, too.

You're so deserving of belonging and relationships that feel fulfilling and make life brighter for you!

Sabah · February 15

This is a brilliant post, and a brilliant idea. Thanks for sharing @Sian321! I'm giving this thread a little boost because I think it's such a fab idea.

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I know it's February and may be a little too late to talk about New Year goals but to fit alongside this theme of community and connection, one goal trend/idea I have seen online is this idea of 12 Charitable Tasks.

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It's a simple and small way to start getting more involved in your local communities. The idea behind it is that you would to a minimum of 1 charitable task a month, and it could be tiny things.

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For example, donating clothes / books, it could be sharing a skill, volunteering some time at the library to run a single workshop on a weekend, or paying for someone else’s meal (if you can). It could be signing up to be a volunteer for an organization, or it could be the resolution to spend more time in communities like The Mix’s discussion boards to support your peers. All great ways to get involved in something you might never have before, and ways to build connections with others in real life.

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If Sian's post does inspire anyone to maybe make that small step or goal, then please do share. You are all full of kindness and compassion with each other here in this community and I'm sure you'll take all of that into your local communities too.

Sian321 · February 20

@Sabah that's such a lovely idea, and a really great way to make connections. It can feel so intimidating sometimes to think about how we can build friendships from interactions with strangers, but things like volunteering, or even nipping into your local charity shop to make a donation and talking to the person behind the desk can be a great way to start.

I used to volunteer at a food bank when I was at uni, and made a friend there who I used to grab a coffee with every shift afterwards to talk about our weeks. It was so lovely, and a really nice point of weekly connection and socialising. Nice to feel a part of something.