There is evidence that empathy is on the decline, which has frightening personal and global consequences. But you can take steps to build your empathy muscle.

mental health, connection, wellnessJessica GiffordMarch 7, 2022empathy Comments

28. Initiate Quick Connections

As kids we’re told not to talk to strangers, and as adults, most of us prefer not to. But making quick connections improves mood!

connection, wellness, lonelinessJessica GiffordFebruary 28, 2022talk to stratngers Comments

27. Attend to "bids" for connection ... it's a key behavior in healthy relationships

Responding to “bids for connection” is a key behavior that sets healthy relationships apart from unhealthy ones. What’s your response style?

26. Give a Great Compliment

Giving compliments strengthens connection and boosts mood. So why don’t we do it more often?

relationship-building, friendship, connectionJessica GiffordFebruary 14, 2022Comment

25. Don’t Ghost Your Friends.

Being ghosted by a friend is the worst. The human brain HATES uncertainty, and in the absence of real information tends to make up terrible stories.

friendship, loneliness, relationshipsJessica GiffordFebruary 7, 2022ghosting, friend breakups Comments

24. Initiate, invite, involve

Do your friendships feel reciprocal? When you initiate connection it helps broaden and strengthen your social circles.

friendship, relationship-building, connectionJessica GiffordJanuary 31, 2022Comment

23. Improve your sleep

Poor sleep doesn’t just make us crankier, it also makes us lonelier.

connection, relationships, wellness, student successJessica GiffordJanuary 24, 2022 Comments

22. Increase Your Awkward Tolerance

The number one predictor of long-term success—in business, art, and relationships—is the amount of discomfort we’re willing to endure. This activity will help you build your awkward tolerance.

relationship-building, connection, friendshipJessica GiffordJanuary 17, 2022social discomfort, social awkwardnessComment

21. Align Your Time With Your Priorities

Most people would say family and friends are more important than anything else, but the way we spend our time doesn’t always match our priorities. Try this simple exercise to see how well your time aligns with your priorities.

connection, friendship, happinessJessica GiffordJanuary 10, 2022prioritiesComment

20. Set a social mini-goal

People often set goals that are overly ambitious, then fizzle out. Starting small, with mini-goals, will give you early success that you can build on. This strategy can be applied to any of your goals, including building stronger connection.

connection, friendship, mental health, relationshipsJessica GiffordJanuary 4, 2022goal-settingComment

19. Partner up on your goals

If you’re serious about achieving a goal, an accountability partner brings your chances of success up to 95% … and builds connection.

connection, productivity, relationship-buildingJessica GiffordDecember 27, 2021goal-settingComment

18. Let love in … it’s the cure for insecurity

In order to achieve a sense of belonging and connection, we don’t just need to BE loved, we need to FEEL loved. That means learning to let in the kindness, care, and positivity we receive.

friendship, relationships, mental health, connectionJessica GiffordDecember 20, 2021Comment

17. Be reliable. Flakiness is for pies, not people.

Being reliable may not sound sexy, but following through on commitments builds trust, which is essential to the long-term health of a friendship.

friendship, connection, relationship-buildingJessica GiffordDecember 13, 2021Comment

16. Celebrate your friends’ successes

Most people think that the strength of a friendship is based on being there through hard times, but research shows that celebrating a friend’s good news is even more important.

15. Connect with Your Values

Completing this 10-minute writing exercise has been shown to improve mood, increase empathy and connection, and boost motivation to follow-through on the things you care about.

mental health, friendship, connectionJessica GiffordNovember 29, 2021Comment

14. Vent and Validate ... it makes people feel heard.

People love this simple activity. Most of us crave validation, because—let’s face it—we’re all a bit malnourished in that area. Unfortunately, the typical responses to venting can make matters worse…

mental health, relationships, connectionJessica GiffordNovember 22, 2021empathy, ventingComment

13. Remember (and use) People’s Name

Using someone’s name conveys recognition, warmth, and respect, and makes people feel seen. This practice can be used with anyone and everyone—people you’ve just met, acquaintances, and friends.

Jessica GiffordNovember 15, 2021Comment

12. Get Out of Your Head: quieting social awkwardness and anxiety

Social anxiety interferes with our ability to make connections, develop relationships, and have a satisfying social life. This strategy helps you work through it.

connection, relationship-building, relationshipsJessica GiffordNovember 8, 2021anxiety, social anxiety, social discomfortComment