How To Build Meaningful Connections: 5 Science-backed Strategies For Making Friends

When we anticipate rejection, we may unintentionally act cold or distant, which can prevent others from warming up to us. Regular contact is essential to maintaining a connection with someone. This doesn’t always mean talking or texting; even sending the occasional postcard or writing a letter filled with thoughtful updates can make all the difference. It also takes the pressure off when you have already established a connection. Offering genuine compliments can brighten someone’s day and make them feel valued.

How To Build Meaningful Connections: 5 Science-backed Strategies For Making Friends

Our need to belong and form meaningful connections drives our desire for companionship. When these efforts fail or relationships break, it is painful. Yet, there are some potential signs that can indicate when love is no longer present in a relationship. Many people spend much of their lives searching for what is arguably one of the most subjective of human experiences — true love. From popular movies, TV shows and dating apps to a cultural focus on finding “the one,” the phenomenon of love is inescapable.

Deborah Heiser holds a Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology and specializes in midlife and beyond. She is a TEDx speaker, adjunct professor, coach, author, and Founder of The Mentor Project™.

By adding your insights to collaborative articles multiple times per week, you can work towards a Top Voices batch in a specific skill or category. Plus, make sure to respond and interact with other collaborators to forge organic connections on LinkedIn. According to LinkedIn, collaborative articles are the fastest-growing traffic driver on the platform, so contributing to them greatly enhances your visibility. It also helps to position you as a thought leader within your industry and a proactive member of your professional community. With so many professionals on LinkedIn, the platform is home to a wealth of knowledge that can see you achieve professional growth, career development and land your dream job.

What Is Networking And Why Is It So Important?

Pursuing hobbies and interests through clubs or groups is an excellent way to meet like-minded individuals. A meaningful connection is the person you call or meet with if you are feeling anxious or upset. This is also the person you call when you have fantastic news that you cannot wait to share.

Strengthen The Quality Of Social Connections

• Being able to understand and respond to someone’s body language can elevate the depth of your connection.
• Let’s face it – relationships are messy and unpredictable.
• Nobody is perfect, and no friendship is perfect, either.

A platform like BetterUp could be the impetus you need to invest in yourself, build your mental fitness, and grow your relationships. Try focusing more on the person you’re talking to instead of worrying about how you’re coming across. When you shift your focus outward and listen actively, you’ll feel more relaxed—and they’ll feel more comfortable too.

Share your true thoughts, show vulnerability, and be yourself. Demonstrate interest in others by asking meaningful questions that go beyond surface-level topics, and really listen to what they have to say without judgment. We all want meaningful connections, yet we avoid the very things that create them—opening up, being vulnerable, and having deeper conversations. Real connection comes from authenticity, not just casual small talk.

Building such a connection requires mutual trust and understanding as well as vulnerability on both sides. Coleman emphasizes the importance of recognizing the strengths and superpowers of the people you meet. Think of yourself as a detective on a mission to uncover the greatness in everyone around you. When you focus on seeing the best in others, they feel it. Genuinely naming and reflecting these superpowers can deepen your connection. By acknowledging and appreciating the unique qualities of those around you, you build a foundation of mutual respect and admiration.

Boost your wellbeing with our free self-kindness toolkit. It’s full of activities to build resilience, cope with worries, and connect with others..You can order printed copies or download the pack to read online. With a little practice, small talk can become your secret weapon for creating meaningful bonds that go well beyond the surface. Patience also means understanding that not every conversation will be a home run. There will be awkward silences, misunderstood jokes, and all kinds of bumps along the way. Expressing empathy doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything they say.

Try something as simple as helping a colleague with a task or remembering what friends share with you to show you care about their lives. A significant portion of our communication is non-verbal. Being able to understand and respond to someone’s body language can elevate the depth of your connection. Not only does it show that you are paying attention, but it can also help you build trust.

That means that networking in the WFH era is a little different. Practice active listening by giving your full attention, asking clarifying questions, and providing support or advice when needed. Sharing vulnerabilities can also encourage others to do the same, fostering deeper understanding and connection between individuals. Beyond just getting ahead, networking helps you build long-term professional resilience.

Branching out and finding new friends—who you actually have a lot in common with and can bond deeply with from the get-go—is another excellent option. That said, we realize the idea of meeting new people can be kinda terrifying (hello social anxiety, my old friend). Another great way to deepen a friendship is by prompting the other person to share more about themselves. “Ask really interesting and interested questions, giving them the opportunity to open up, or focus on offering support, help, or lifting them up,” Dr. Kirmayer suggests.

Misunderstandings and plain mistakes can threaten even Asiansouls the most meaningful friendships if you can’t forgive those you care about. Going back to talking face-to-face can stir up many feelings. By talking openly about these feelings, we can rebuild trust and strengthen our relationships. In face-to-face interactions, it’s key to focus on attunement.

You’re building bridges, fostering connections, and potentially laying the groundwork for a new relationship. Building meaningful connections doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that requires time, effort, and most importantly, patience. In the quest to turn light conversation into meaningful connection, it’s important to respect the other person’s boundaries. This kind of attention makes the other person feel valued and heard, which is crucial in building a meaningful connection. It allows the person sharing to feel heard, understood, and valued – all essential elements for building a meaningful connection.

Not surprisingly, it’s come to be viewed as the go-to platform for professionals looking to expand their network, boost engagement, and connect with others. Crush your career goals and successfully grow a LinkedIn network of industry experts, mentors, and clients. From tough talks to deeper bonds, coaching helps you show up better in every relationship. It can also reduce stress and awkwardness for both of you.

It’s a powerful connector that can turn casual chats into heartfelt conversations. Researchers at Harvard University found that asking open-ended questions during conversations fosters closeness and increases feelings of connectedness. Unlike other social platforms, LinkedIn is designed solely for professional networking. That alone makes it important for businesses wanting to connect with others in the industry and promote their work. Reach out to your health care provider about any concerns or changes in your child’s social behaviors or connections.

The truth is that we routinely encounter barriers that block our efforts to make and strengthen meaningful relationships. Some of these barriers are byproducts of our psychological makeup, while others are the result of unseen social forces. As a result, the path to connection is not always easy to navigate.

Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, everyone benefits from having people to lean on, share experiences with, and confide in. Friends help us navigate life’s challenges and celebrate its joys. This guide delves into why friends are essential and explores science-backed strategies to help you build lasting connections. This can be as simple as offering help when needed or remembering details about their projects and interests. This attentiveness demonstrates that you value and care about the relationship.

Don’t miss a beat with our guide to the 2025 social media holidays you need to know about. Get social media insider social media hints, tips & hacks straight to your inbox. LinkedIn Groups are a great space for sharing valuable knowledge and learning from other industry experts. It can also open the door to potential clients, partners, and collaborators in the future.