In a world with superficial interactions and fleeting connections, the value of having the following 7 types of human connection is more precious than ever.
True connection - defined by PsychCentral as the “sense of closeness and belongingness a person can experience when having supportive relationships with those around them”—is essential for our well-being.
When we think of connecting with someone, friends or romantic partners might come to mind first. While friends and romantic partners are important, they are just the beginning. Relying on a single person for all our connection needs can lead to loneliness, especially on days with limited interactions. I discovered that having diverse types of connections is vital for a fulfilling life. And I became curious about what types of connection I was missing in my own life and how to seek them out from my community.
Let's dive into the seven essential types of connections that bring a sense of belonging, understanding, and visibility into our lives—core essentials for feeling whole.
1. Authentic Connections
We all know that authenticity is the cornerstone of any meaningful relationship. Every meaningful relationship we build should feel true to us; it should feel authentic.
We all crave connections where we can be our true selves without fear of judgment or rejection. Whether it's with friends, partners, family, or colleagues, cultivating authenticity fosters trust and deepens bonds.
Have you ever felt unheard or unseen in a group? That you just didn’t feel like you belong? I have too, and it took me a while to realize it was because I wasn’t forming authentic connections with the group of people I was with. I had to ask myself, “Is this relationship fulfilling my need for authentic connections?” If not, how can I find better connections with people with whom I can be my true self?
At our Mixingle events, we provide a safe space for people to express themselves authentically, laying the groundwork for genuine connections to flourish.
2. Emotional Connections
Emotional connections are the lifeblood of human relationships. They transcend words, forging bonds that withstand the tests of time and distance. Sharing experiences, empathizing with each other's struggles, and celebrating triumphs create a tapestry of emotions that bind us together. It’s why support groups are so effective.
It’s important to seek people who support us and create space for all our emotions. If someone is only available when we’re happy but not when we’re sad, depressed, or angry, we may want to seek people who can be with us through all our emotions. We need to feel secure and safe in our relationships to be authentic and share our emotional states without judgment.
Emotional connections are vital in my friendships and relationships. I need emotional support to show up as myself, whether with tears or a smile on my face. It’s difficult for me to form deep connections with people close in my life if I don’t have the emotional connection established with them. They are the lifeblood of human relationships after all.
3. Intellectual Connections
Stimulating intellectual connections are essential for personal growth and enrichment. Engaging in thought-provoking discussions, exchanging ideas, and challenging each other's perspectives fosters intellectual curiosity and expands our understanding of the world.
Lively debates, when held with respect for all parties, can ignite the mind and broaden our perspectives.
You can find intellectual connections through activities like joining a book club, finding a club focused on a specific interest, and through work relationships. These connections can also come from your partner or friend group.
For me, I love seeking out new opportunities to learn and grow a new skill, whether that is finding a new hobby like art, writing, singing, etc, and I find that I learn best through other people and their own experience and knowledge. To me, everyone is a student and a teacher. We can all learn something from each other, as well as share our knowledge with others.
4. Spiritual Connections
Spiritual connections transcend the material realm, tapping into the essence of our being. They provide a sense of belonging and connection to a greater mission or purpose.
Whether through shared beliefs, values, or a sense of purpose, these connections nourish our souls. Mindfulness exercises, meditation sessions, and reflective discussions can help us delve into our spiritual selves and forge connections that transcend the physical realm.
Religion can be one avenue to explore these connections, although spirituality can be found through yoga, tarot, oracle, and more. I found my spiritual connection through Vipassana meditation, a practice that profoundly impacted my spiritual journey. I practice daily meditation and love discussing spirituality with anyone willing to share their views.
5. Collaborative Connections
Collaborative connections empower us to achieve more together than we could alone. Whether partnering with colleagues on a project or joining forces with like-minded individuals, collaboration fuels innovation and drives progress.
We are stronger together than alone. Every leader has a team behind them, helping them succeed. Working together on something larger than ourselves can be rewarding and fun. People who learn with others often feel a stronger sense of connection and build deeper bonds. Whether collaborating for a long time or a short period, it can be a rewarding experience for growth and connection.
6. Romantic Connections
Romantic connections ignite passion and intimacy in our lives. Whether it's the thrill of newfound romance or the comfort of a long-term partnership, these connections bring joy, fulfillment, and companionship.
Media can sometimes put too much pressure on being in a relationship. To build a lasting romantic relationship, start inward, work on yourself, identify your needs, and go from there. What are your values in a relationship? Partnership? What type of relationship are you seeking? You can find romantic connections in many different ways. It’s about figuring out what you want in your life right now and aligning with that to find the connection that works best for you.
7. Professional Connections
Professional connections are the backbone of a successful career and personal growth. Networking with colleagues, mentors, and industry peers opens doors to new opportunities, insights, and collaborations.
Networking sessions and professional development workshops can help us expand our professional networks and cultivate relationships that propel our careers forward. These connections can open future doors we may not yet know exist. I believe we are as strong as the network of people we surround ourselves with, so maintaining healthy professional connections is crucial.
Why having all 7 Types of Human Connection is Essential for Your Well-being
Some studies suggest that loneliness and social isolation can increase individuals risk for developing some serious health conditions:
Heart problems
Diabetes
Strokes
Depression and anxiety
It’s normal and human to want to connect with others. Our health, to a certain degree, depends on it. It can be scary to assess our connections and realize we need to put in the effort to meet new people. However, the reward for putting ourselves out there is meaningful connections to share life with.
Embrace the Power of Genuine Connection
In every interaction, whether with a friend, a colleague, or a stranger, lies an opportunity to connect in a way that enriches our lives and those around us. Don’t discount the small interactions you make daily, whether it’s with the barista or the bus driver. They are all valuable and add little connection opportunities throughout the day.
Let us embrace authenticity, nurture emotional intimacy, seek intellectual stimulation, delve into our spiritual selves, collaborate with others, pursue romance with an open heart, and cultivate professional networks with purpose and intention.
Join us in embracing the power of connection and building a world where meaningful relationships flourish. At Mixingle, we're on a mission to facilitate meaningful encounters that transcend mundane chit-chat. We hope to see you soon at one of our next events.
What types of connections do you have with people? Are there any missing from your life? If so, how can you find a new connection to fulfill that type?
Let me know in the comments.
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