Thats what makes our current loneliness epidemic and friendship crisis so ironic.
With so many ways to feel connected, how could the opposite be happening?
Well, the numbers dont lie.
According to a recentGallup poll1, nearly one in four people worldwide feel lonely.
The number of hours we’re spending by ourselves has skyrocketed, Jackson says.
Thats a lot of clocked hoursan essential component to building strong friendships, says Jackson.
…
But in 2014, quality time started dwindling, coinciding with the sudden widespread popularity of Instagram.
As a friendship expert and coach, Jackson knows a thing or two about the importance of social connections.
Friendships are crucial to our health and longevity.
What is The Missionary Sex Position?
But its a little more complicated now that the rules have changed.
It is challenging, says Jackson.
And sometimes it’s not just due to our own individual efforts.
And you might need to get creative with carving out time to clock hours with friends.
Leveraging technology to expedite the [friendship] process doesnt make you desperate, says Jackson.
…
It makes you resourceful.
Jacksons final power play to make new friends is leveraging who she calls super connectors.
You know those people who just always seem to be in the know?
Or that popular friend who takes forever to leave a party because she has to say goodbye toeveryone?
Those are your super connectors who can help you expand your own social circle, says Jackson.
And no, its not embarrassing to ask for some help with this.
You cant expect to get your needs met if you won’t make them known, she says.
There’s no shame around it.
The vulnerability of admitting My life is a mess right now is harder than pretending everything is okay.
Basically, fake it til you make it.
Its also important to accept that not everyone will want to be your friend, Jackson says.
The same is also true for those of us whove been on the receiving end of a friendship breakup.
Itwillhappen, so how quickly are you going to recover?
Jacksons advice is to boldly share exactly who you are, no matter how you may come across.
When you put your real self out there, you find your people, she says.
So lean into sharing yourself, being goofy, and making mistakes.
Authenticity is an essential part of finding your tribe and creating deeply meaningful connections.
Yes, the risk is rejection, but the reward could be lifelong.
It is currentlyavailable for pre-order.
Global State of Social Connections Report.Gallup.Com, Gallup, 1 Nov. 2023, news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/512618/almost-quarter-world-feels-lonely.aspx.
United States, Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.American Time Use Survey, June 2022.https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/atus_06232022.pdf.
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
