74. Don't try to change people ... it doesn't work!

We’ve all wished someone in our life would just change (people can be frustrating)! But convincing, lecturing, or telling people what to do rarely works. Try these approaches instead.

communication, connection, relationshipsJessica GiffordJanuary 30, 2023lecturing, nagging, behavior changeComment

73. How helping others helps you

Feeling helpless and overwhelmed by the state of the world? Volunteering can be a powerful way to reclaim a sense of purpose, connection, and agency—and make a real difference.

connection, happinessJessica GiffordJanuary 23, 2023volunteer, givingComment

72. Make people feel needed (give them a role)

50% of American workers are burned out, and loneliness is a major contributor. One way to increase a sense of belonging is to give people a role.

burnout, belonging, loneliness, connectionJessica GiffordJanuary 16, 2023teamwork, burnout, roleComment

71. Paraphrase: It's the secret to making people feel truly heard

How often do you feel truly heard? The simple skill of paraphrasing demonstrates that you’re listening and “get it” … which deepens relationships.

70. How the battle over your attention affects your relationships

Our attention spans have become shorter and shorter, which is eroding our relationships. Giving someone your full attention is a profound gift.

connection, relationships, relationship-buildingJessica GiffordJanuary 2, 2023focus, attention Comments

69. Join something ... and cut your risk of dying over the next year in half

Most people think that they need to exercise or eat better to improve health, but the truth is connecting has even greater impact.

connection, friendship, well-beingJessica GiffordDecember 26, 2022health Comments

68. Avoid toxic positivity

Want to know why “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” makes us feel crappy? Read on…

67. How to give great gifts

The best gifts are those that “speak” to the recipient. Learn their love languages to give what they want most!

connection, relationship-building, friendshipJessica GiffordDecember 12, 2022gifts, gift givingComment

66. Increase your introvert/extrovert sensitivity with these myths and facts

There are a lot of misconceptions of what it means to be introverted or extroverted. Check out the more nuanced reality that the introvert/extrovert interviews revealed.

relationships, inclusion, productivityJessica GiffordDecember 5, 2022introvert, extrovertComment

65. Give support that’s supportive (and doesn't suck you dry)

People tend to think of giving as “better” than receiving … but it’s possible to be an over-giver. And not all help is helpful. Here are some tips to offer support that’s truly supportive and doesn’t suck you dry.

connection, friendship, relationship-buildingJessica GiffordNovember 28, 2022support, helpComment

64. Engage in (or disengage from) difficult conversations

If you're anticipating difficult dinner conversations this holiday season (or any time), try these tips for talking to people with wildly opposing beliefs.

connection, belonging, relationship-buildingJessica GiffordNovember 21, 2022conflictComment

63. End the "friendship famine"!

The country is experiencing a “friendship famine.” You may be living in a “connection desert,” with limited access to high quality, “nutritious” interactions and relationships.

friendship, connection, relationship-buildingJessica GiffordNovember 14, 2022Comment

62. Share a struggle (there’s an upside to sharing your downside).

We often want to present the “best” version of ourselves, but this increases social isolation.

loneliness, connection, relationship-buildingJessica GiffordNovember 7, 2022 Comments

61. Host something.

Having friends over is a great way to build connection … but we don’t do it as much as we used to. Need some inspiration?

connection, relationship-buildingJessica GiffordOctober 31, 2022host Comments

60. Be nicer to yourself.

Most people long for a BFF, but you don’t have to wait to find one. What if you gave yourself the kindness and compassion you crave from others?

connection, mental health, well-beingJessica GiffordOctober 25, 2022self-compassion, self-talkComment

59. Comparison: thief of joy or secret to success?

Comparison is a natural human tendency. How do we measure up? But is comparison the thief of joy, or the secret to success?

connection, relationships, well-beingJessica GiffordOctober 17, 2022 Comments

58. Express Appreciation

Most people feel underappreciated. Expressing your gratitude and appreciation for someone is a powerful way to build connection, and it only takes a minute.

57. Make connection your default ... it's the key to living longer and healthier!

The current “default mode” for many people is being alone, and it takes conscious effort to get together with other people. Making connection your default has a ton of benefits … including living longer.

friendship, connection, happinessJessica GiffordOctober 3, 2022moai, automate connectionComment

56. Collaborate … it helps employees connect

Lonely employees cost workplaces an estimated $4000+ per year (per employee) in lost days of work. Creating more collaborative work cultures decreases loneliness and increases productivity.

connection, productivity, relationship-buildingJessica GiffordSeptember 26, 2022collaborate, collaborationComment

55. Be (appropriately) vulnerable. It instantly makes people feel closer.

It's hard to feel close with someone if your conversations never go beyond surface level. Getting close requires mutual self-disclosure … and that can feel vulnerable.

connection, relationships, friendshipJessica GiffordSeptember 19, 2022Comment

111+ Ways to Make Friends as an Adult

This blog is a collection of small action steps—based on science—to help you improve the quality of your friendships.

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