Your life depends on your social relationships!

We all want love in our lives and to have a fulfilling happy romantic relationship. But before delving into the dating scene with the intention of finding a life partner, it’s crucial to assess the state of our social, non-romantic lives and examine our friendships. While finding a life partner is vital for a healthy and sustainable relationship, equally important is cultivating and sustaining friendships that should be there both before meeting a life partner, during the course of the relationship, and in case the romantic partnership doesn’t last a lifetime.

In the midst of our busy lives, often consumed by work and superficial social media connections, the significance of genuine, face-to-face friendships can be overlooked. Having a best friend or a tribe provides a sense of belonging, lessening the loneliness that can sometimes accompany the search for love. Loneliness is a pervasive issue, with many people feeling disconnected. What’s concerning is that the sense of loneliness can breed resentment, impatience and hostility, making it even more challenging to forge the friendships that are initially needed.

The physiological impact of loneliness on the brain is substantial. According to Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a professor of psychology and neuroscience, loneliness keeps our brains in a constant state of alert, interfering with our thinking and perception. Loneliness increases the risk of early death by 26%, surpassing the risks associated with air pollution, obesity, and physical inactivity.

To break the cycle of loneliness and difficulty connecting, proactive measures are essential. Prioritize your social relationships like your life depends on it because it does!

While we are often mostly preoccupied with our careers, focusing on professional achievements, we may neglect our social lives and it can have detrimental effects. If you have existing connections that can be nurtured, rekindle them. If not, here are a few tips to initiate the process:

1. Join social platforms like www.meetup.com to engage in activities and events with like-minded people. When you meet people, stay curious and do your best to open your heart and mind.
2. Educate yourself on social confidence and human interaction or seek coaching. This is a skill that can be learned, and it will help you build up your social confidence to make connections effortlessly, bringing a sense of belonging to your life.
3. Create a social calendar and dedicate time each week to attend social gatherings, focusing on meaningful connections.
4. Enroll in classes or activities to learn something new, as shared experiences are powerful connectors, they give you an immediate opportunity to break the ice and ease the way into someone’s life story.

Step out of the toxic comfort of solitude, away from screens, and immerse yourself in face-to-face social events. Be open and proactive about creating friendships.

Overcoming loneliness is not only beneficial for your mental and emotional well-being but can also positively influence the trajectory of your life and the lives of others. By fostering social relationships, you pave the way for a happier, more content existence, making it easier to form romantic connections from a place of peace and connectedness rather than a survival mode and desperation.