The Right Thing 101: Taking Stock of Your Social Life

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Hatched by Glasp

Sep 24, 2023

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The Right Thing 101: Taking Stock of Your Social Life

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to forget the importance of human connection and how we like to be treated. As social beings, we have certain needs that must be met in order to thrive. These needs include being valued, appreciated, trusted, respected, understood, and not taken advantage of. When these needs are fulfilled, we feel a sense of fulfillment and happiness in our relationships.

Research has shown that social isolation can have serious consequences on our health and well-being. A study from 2010 found that those with weaker social relationships had a higher risk of early mortality. In 2018, a survey revealed that nearly half of Americans were considered lonely. Social isolation has been linked to cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, and anxiety. It is clear that our social connections play a vital role in our overall well-being.

However, it's important to note that too much social interaction can be equally draining. We also need alone time to recharge and protect our energy and time. In order to be a good friend, we must have the emotional bandwidth to show up for others without resentment or obligation. Taking stock of our social intake is crucial to maintaining a well-balanced social life. At the end of a day, week, or month, we should reflect on who we socialized with, the types of interactions we had, and whether we felt emotionally satisfied. This reflection will give us a clearer picture of our social well-being.

A recent study found that the more "relational diversity" a person has in their social repertoire, the higher their well-being. It's like having a diverse social portfolio. Interacting with a range of conversation partners, such as family members, coworkers, friends, and strangers, can lead to greater happiness. Quality conversations are just as important as the quantity of conversations. Meaningful interactions, like laughter-filled hangouts or emotional discussions, effectively combat loneliness.

While face-to-face communication is the most effective form of connection, texts and social media can help bridge the gap. They can be used to mitigate loneliness, but they don't have the same impact as face-to-face quality time. When we're feeling lonely, it's important to seek social contact and respond to that need.

To improve our social well-being, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

  • 1. Prioritize relational diversity: Make an effort to interact with a range of conversation partners. This can include family members, coworkers, friends, and even strangers. The more diverse our social interactions, the higher our well-being.
  • 2. Seek meaningful conversations: Focus on having quality conversations rather than simply increasing the quantity of interactions. Meaningful interactions, like laughter-filled hangouts or emotional discussions, have a greater impact on combating loneliness.
  • 3. Make time for face-to-face interactions: While texts and social media can help bridge the gap, they can never fully replace the embodied experience of connecting with someone. Prioritize face-to-face interactions whenever possible to strengthen your social connections.

In conclusion, taking stock of our social lives and understanding how we want to be treated is crucial for our overall well-being. By valuing, appreciating, trusting, respecting, understanding, and not taking advantage of others, we can create fulfilling and meaningful relationships. Prioritizing relational diversity, seeking meaningful conversations, and making time for face-to-face interactions will further enhance our social well-being. Let's make an effort to prioritize our social connections and create a more fulfilling social life.

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