How to Make New Friends in the New Normal
Made tons of new friends at work, lately? Not so much? You’re not alone in feeling alone. Two remote years of only seeing each other on purpose, for a purpose, has cost us those informal interactions–like waiting for an elevator or walking the halls together–that do a surprising amount to strengthen social bonds. An article in the NY Times last year found that even the most introverted among us are missing that sense of connection and belonging that community naturally cultivates. That sense of belonging nourishes unexpected benefits as well, like encouraging creative risks, enhancing adaptability in the face of change, and just making us happier.
That’s why this month we are sharing ideas for making meaningful connections with friends, family members, and co-workers that you haven’t actually seen in 3D for a while. Here are three ideas to find safe and meaningful ways back to each other:
Make together
Bringing a new group of potential friends together? Try making something while you chat. You’ll be amazed at how the act of doing something with your hands will make the conversation, not to mention the laughter, flow. This is a particularly useful strategy for introverts since the act of working with your hands can take the pressure off having to come up with something clever to say. Instead, you work with your hands, and process aloud when inspiration hits. The good thing is, you can do this remotely or in person (cocktails optional). But remember, it’s important to keep the activity talent-agnostic (think collaging, cookie decorating, or adult coloring books) and use it as a means to connect, not to set the art world on fire.
Learn together
It takes a community to learn something new. One of the most inspiring things we’ve read this year is the NYTimes “It’s Never too Late” series where one of the subjects, a retired university professor, recorded his first album of original music at 84. When asked how he was able to drum up the courage to learn songwriting, his answer was simple, “There’s this fantasy that creativity is something you do alone, by candlelight. No! Do something with other people who are as genuinely interested as you are.” Not only will you learn a new skill, you’ll make a bunch of new friends, too!
Fail together
There’s nothing more joyful than failing together - as long as you’re ready for it. Gather your potential group together and explore new types of joy together - without the pressure to succeed. Perhaps it’s learning to dance bhangra, one of the most joyfully lighthearted online classes we’ve taken recently. Who doesn’t love a dance where it’s required to maintain a giant grin on your face the entire time you are moving? Failing miserably to stay on beat? Great! Laugh and keep trying. Nothing bonds people together more than laughter.
If there’s anything we’ve learned from this pandemic, it’s that when we are connected, everything flows. We are more creative, more resilient, and more confident in our unique contribution to the world. The trust that grows out of that sense of connection fuels our courage to try new things, to learn new skills, and to soar to new heights in our relationships and our careers.
What will you do this year to build your community? If you’d like some food for thought, come join us at an upcoming event near you. We’ve designed a series of fun, talent-agnostic creative activities that will both recharge and reconnect you in ways that you never expected.
Curious to read more?
It’s Never Too Late to Record Your First Album
What Makes Relationships Thrive
How and Why a Company Can Make Lives Better By Developing Community