Why Real Connection Matters More Than Ever

Photo by Nicolas Lobos on Unsplash

Last week, I stood in line at the bank to deposit a check (yes, I still use checks). Another person was in line and as I was about to strike a conversation, they whip out their phone.

Yup, no go.

I didn’t feel the need to look at my phone while waiting in line. Instead, I observed what was going on.

The lobby had an elderly couple sitting down. They were looking at their phones. No face to face conversation.

Another couple sat across from them, and their kids were on their tablets. Glued eyes watching their favorite cartoons.

As I looked around, I noticed other people on their phones. Scrolling. Laughing. And it hit me:

Where were the conversations?

Not a single person was having that human connection. I mean, was I the only one not on my phone?

I admit: I felt the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).

“Don’t. Get. Out. Your. Phone.” I reminded myself.

Most of our attention now goes to screens instead of each other. I remembered standing in a line 20 years ago, striking up conversations.

Genuine conversations on how their day was. You know, small talk.

I asked myself,

“What happened to that?”

Well, social media and technology. Around 20 years ago, we had technology and we actually read magazines and newspapers. Now, we can read them on our phones. Crazy.

We’re so distracted by what’s right in front of us that human connections are disappearing.

I started wondering:

• How can we create real, authentic connections?

• What does true human connection look like today?

• Can we “be authentic” without using our smartphones?

It’s clear we need to bring back real conversations. Deep converstations. Talk about life. Just straight authenticity.

I challenged myself last month to be intentional on having genuine conversations.

Here are 3 ways I’ve reconnected with people every day:

#1 Use Your Phone To Call People (not just text)

I call my sister almost every day. She lives in Washington State. I call her to hear her voice and have a real conversation. No distractions.

I get excited to talk with my nephew and niece. It feels great to hear about their days and share their acitivies with me.

I encourage others to do the same. If you want to connect, why not call?

Sure you want to text but imagine if you called and had a conversation.

Hearing a voice creates a deeper bond.

#2 Connect With Nature

Go outside.

Leave your phone at home.

Take in the landscape of trees and the sky. I love to embrace the beauty of nature. It breaks the monotony outside my busy life.

Sometimes staring at nature provides a calm sense of relief.

I unplug, observe, and stay present.

It’s a time to reflect…

#3 Make an effort to talk to people in person

Whether it’s a coworker or someone I meet during the day, I engage with them without any screen distractions.

I turn my phone off or put it on airplane mode to give them my full attention. These face-to-face interactions often lead to unexpected and fulfilling conversations.

Bonus: Journal (on paper)

Yes.

Take out your spiral notebook and write with a pen (or pencil). I love writing 15-20 min in my journal. It’s very…therapeutic.

There’s something powerful about putting pen to paper and letting my thoughts flow. Later, type them up, but the process of writing by hand feels grounding and authentic.

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Human connection has different meanings, but to me, it means being present with myself and others without distractions.

But to achieve it, we have to make the effort. We have to be the ones who reach out.

So, I challenge you: How can you be more connected today?

It takes one genuine conversation.

Make it happen.