Strengthening Interpersonal Connections: 3 Strategies for Restoring Social Bonds
Fresh Take:
Hey there! Ever felt like your social skills are dwindling, and it's not just in your head? Well, you're spot on. Studies show that social skills are, indeed, declining, and we're witnessing a decrease in courtesy and civility. It's tough, especially when you're struggling to bond with others or feel confident in your social interactions. But don'
t worry; we've got you covered. Here's the lowdown on social skills today and how to rebuild relationships.
The Consequences of Social Skills Decay
Social skills play a significant role in your overall well-being. In a study published in Health Communication, people with poor social skills tend to experience increased stress, loneliness, and physical decline. On the flip side, better social skills are associated with a more successful career, as per data from the Review of Economics and Statistics.
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The Erosion of Social Skills
Unfortunately, our overall social skills and civility have taken a nosedive.
- 25% of remote workers admit their social skills have weakened, with Millennials and those living alone being the most susceptible, according to a survey by ResumeBuilder.
- 37% of the surveyed individuals claim they lack communication skills (based on data from Personnel Today).
- 63% of those battling mental health issues attribute their struggles to a lack of social connections, with 57% citing feelings of isolation as a leading factor, according to ResumeBuilder data.
- 55% report they lack connection with their coworkers, 58% with their company, and 62% with their community, as per ResumeBuilder.
- 59% people report a decline in civility, according to the SHRM Q1 Civility Index of 2024.
The struggle is indeed real.
3 Ways to Revive Social Connections and Enhance Skills
Despite the decline in soft and interaction skills, it's possible to rebuild relationships and restore social skills. Here's how:
1. Embrace Courage
It's common to feel uncomfortable when socializing, and you're definitely not alone. Many people experience anxiety, self-consciousness, awkwardness, overwhelm, or unease in social situations.
But remember, courage doesn't necessarily mean acting without fear. Instead, it's facing your fear head-on. Recognize your value, and act with confidence, despite any insecurities. Resilience and social confidence are muscles you can strengthen - keep interacting with others and engaging, even when you feel uncomfortable, and your skills and confidence will develop.
2. Practice
Social interaction can be daunting for some. In fact, 27% said they struggled with small talk, while 18% didn't know how to initiate conversations and 16% found it challenging to maintain eye contact, as per ResumeBuilder. Additionally, 15% had difficulty carrying on a conversation or participating in group discussions.
The key to forming effective social connections is practice. Engage in activities with close friends or family as you build your skills, then gradually branch out to events where you don't know people as well.
3. Get Out There
Another essential way to enhance your social skills is to ensure you're socializing more often. It's comfortable to cocoon yourself at home with your furry companion and your streaming service, but getting out can help you build connections.
69% of remote workers say they rarely or never work outside their home, and 20% admit they don't leave their house more than once a week, according to ResumeBuilder. Additionally, 27% of people say they don't speak with others more than once a week.
On a related note, 33% of respondents in the ResumeBuilder survey said they struggled with mental health because they lacked a hobby or interest outside of work.
Superficial interactions might boost your happiness levels, just as deeper relationships do. To nurture your social skills, step out of the house more often and discover new interests that connect you with others.
If needlework is your thing, join a craft club and chat about art. Or if you're into yoga, attend live classes instead of doing online versions. Alternatively, do everyday tasks in a more social way – talk to the checkout clerk instead of opting for delivery at your door. It might be less efficient, but meaningful interactions over convenience will contribute to your mental well-being and social skill development.
Combating the Decline of Social Skills
We've suffered a setback, undoubtedly. However, by choosing to act despite fear or discomfort, we can connect, come together, and build community. It's essential for our happiness, well-being, and even our physical health. So, let's get out there and start nurturing those social skills!
Likely, the decline in social skills is linked to increased loneliness and stress, as reported in a study published in Health Communication. The erosion of social skills is prominent among remote workers, with Millennials and those living alone being the most susceptible, according to a survey by ResumeBuilder. To combat this decline, embracing courage, practicing social interactions, and getting out more can help enhance skills and build stronger connections.
