106. Pay attention to your talking time

If you want people to like you, should you talk more or listen more in conversation? The answer may surprise you!

friendship, communication, connectionJessica GiffordSeptember 2, 2024talking time Comments

105. Will friendbots solve the loneliness crisis?

AI companions are already here, but will they help relieve loneliness, or add fuel to the fire of disconnection?

104. Invest in your relationship with yourself

This blog is all about building positive relationships with other people—but it’s equally important to have a good relationship with yourself. After all, you are who you spend the most time with!

well-being, connection, mental healthJessica GiffordFebruary 13, 2024alone time Comments

102. Establish a tradition

People think of traditions as something that’s inherited, but you can create your own tradition to help build connection and make memories.

connection, belongingJessica GiffordDecember 14, 2023traditions, family rituals, family traditions, workplace traditionsComment

101. Be Intentional. The antidote to friendship dissatisfaction.

Most Americans are dissatisfied with the quality of their friendships. It's time to shift the idea that friendships happen spontaneously and get intentional.

100. Conduct a Friendship Self-Assessment

The people we’re closest to have a powerful influence on how we feel, what we do, and who we become. Take a few minutes to reflect on your closest relationships using this friendship self-assessment.

99. Break up with a friend. Are you in a friendship that's harmful to your health?

While there are many benefits to friendships, not all are good for you. Sometimes breaking up is the healthiest thing you can do.

98. Let go: Holding a grudge may be harmful to your health.

People who hold onto grudges are more likely to experience severe depression, heart disease, and other health problems. Here’s how to let go…

connection, mental health, well-beingJessica GiffordJuly 17, 2023forgiveness, letting go Comments

97. Be interested. It will draw people to you.

Dale Carnegie said, “To be interesting, be interested.” Good advice, but easier said than done. This post has a few tips.

communication, connectionJessica GiffordJuly 10, 2023be interested, listening skillsComment

96. Be Yourself ... but not always.

You’ve probably been told, “Just be yourself” and the contradictory advice, “Fake it ‘til you make it.” Which is better advice, and under what circumstances?

95. Think small: The magic numbers of friendship

When it comes to friendship, more isn’t always better. In fact there’s a limit to how many friendships we can maintain.

connection, friendship, relationship-buildingJessica GiffordJune 26, 2023small groupsComment

94. Connect with animals: The power of pets to build connection

Animals can’t replace human connection, but they provide valuable companionship, physical affection, and other less tangible benefits.

connection, loneliness, well-beingJessica GiffordJune 19, 2023pets, dogsComment

93. Speak up/Call in: Addressing behaviors that destroy connection

Reaching a state of greater connection not only requires increasing connection-promoting behaviors, but also stopping connection-destroying behaviors.

communication, connection, inclusionJessica GiffordJune 12, 2023speak up, call in Comments

92. Notice the Good: most people feel unappreciated

Most people at work (and at home) feel unappreciated. Taking 2 minutes to notice the good can make a big difference.

91. Reframe Social Stress as Excitement

If you feel like anxiety gets in the way of being your best in social situations—and high pressure situations like a presentation or interview—this post is for you.

student success, well-being, connectionJessica GiffordMay 29, 2023social anxiety, anxietyComment

90. Leverage your connection superpowers

There are 90 different connection skills/action steps outlined in this blog so far. It’s impossible to be good at all 90, but you are sure to great at some! Here’s why (and how) to leverage your connection strengths.

connection, friendship, relationship-buildingJessica GiffordMay 22, 2023strengthsComment

89. Repair. Learn to have hard conversations.

One of the (many) factors contributing to disconnection is that we avoid addressing conflicts, hurts, and missteps. But we can learn how to have hard conversations and repair relationships.

communication, friendship, connectionJessica GiffordMay 15, 2023Comment

88. The costs of ignoring connection in the workplace

6 out of 10 American employees report they are lonely … which has enormous implications for employees’ health and well-being, not to mention financial costs.

connection, loneliness, productivityJessica GiffordMay 8, 2023Comment