5 Powerful Ways to Connect with Others and Build Relationships That Last a Lifetime

We live in a world that is becoming increasingly more digital and online. And while we now have the ability to communicate with people all around the globe, anytime we want, this does not mean that we are actually developing meaningful, close relationships with those around us. In fact, the opposite seems to be true.

To that point, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy recently urged Congress to require social media platforms to include tobacco-style warning labels on social media platforms that would “regularly remind parents and adolescents that social media has not been proved safe.”

The problem is that while today we have the ability to socialize and connect with people in all sorts of technology-driven ways–from social media to videoconferencing to our mobile phones and more–we often aren’t fully present with them.

So, how can you connect better with others and build relationships that last a lifetime?

The secret is to make the effort to engage in face-to-face conversations with those around you–workmates, family, friends, neighbors, and so on. Here are 5 proven ways to forge meaningful and long-lasting connections with others:

1. Start a conversation.

Be the one to say “Hello.” Ask others about their day, favorite memory, or hometown. People love to know that others are actually interested in them and want to hear what they think and say.

2. Dare to be vulnerable.

It’s not always easy to ask others for help but often it’s all that’s needed to build a real connection. Openly share your life and your thoughts and be present in a way that is uniquely human–real and sincere.

3. Be present.

Pay attention to whatever it is you’re doing. Don’t pull out the phone and drift off mid-conversation. Really listen to what others are saying, the same way you’d like them to listen to you.

4. Seize the day.

You have the opportunity to create and nurture relationships with those you come into contact with every single day. Look for new connections in places you might not expect, such as in the library, at an offsite, or even during your commute.

5. Make moments count.

Take time to connect authentically, in person, for at least part of each day. Put down your phone and create memories with others that will last a lifetime.

And while it’s great to have an existing circle of people we’re connected to, we should always try to expand the circle–the larger our network the greater the opportunities we’ll have to enrich our lives. Don’t wait for them to initiate a conversation–sometimes we have to make the first move ourselves.