5 Steps to Building Strong Social Connections

by Misske Tjandra, Senior Resident Therapist

Nowadays, many of us all over the world are used to living a large percentage of our lives through the internet. Working from home, taking online classes, exercising to Youtube videos, and connecting with others through social media, most of us have done it all. The internet makes it really easy to connect passively with others. Yet the question remains: Are we missing something essential by living our lives through the internet? How can we actually “connect”, anyway? 


For some people, building social connections may seem easy. For others, however, making social connections might seem like a nightmare; mainly because they take trust, time, effort, and consistency. Connecting to others IRL might feel awkward or uncomfortable because we are out of practice. But it’s worthwhile to challenge ourselves to make meaningful connections because research shows that they can make us happier and healthier. Creating them can be simple, but building them takes work. So, how exactly do we build social connections?

Here are five steps to building strong social connections:

  • Be honest and authentic

    Being authentic includes being open with yourselves and others around you. Allowing yourself to be transparent about your thoughts and feelings will help others see your true self and get to know you more. This can be scary at first. But the more you do it, the more confident you will become!

  • Show empathy and understanding

    Show that you care via texts or a phone call, create that connection. Tell them how much they mean to you or if you’re thinking about them. Showing empathy and understanding doesn’t just mean listening to them (though this is important), but also letting them know that you’re there for them. 

  • Communicate effectively

    Communicate, communicate, communicate! Having a clear, direct, and respectful way of communicating your needs is important  not only because your needs matter, but also because our friends feel safer with us when they know our boundaries.

  • Respect boundaries 

    This means respecting our friends’ needs and personal space, which shows that you are trustworthy and considerate. If you don’t know their boundaries, just ask!

  • Check-in with your friends

    Having those weekly check-ins or even a text asking how their day is going can do wonders! People love to feel thought of and remembered, it makes them feel valued by you.


Building social connections takes time, patience, and effort – but trust me, they’re worth it. Social connections, once built and deepened, give you a sense of belonging and acceptance. They can become a space where it is safe for you to be your truest self; so you can feel at home wherever you are.

Don’t know where to start? Connect with us!

The Healing Together Team will be meeting up in Seoul to hang out and connect on April 29-30 2023. Why don’t you join us? RSVP, and we will set aside a VERY cute “Mental Health Matters” tote just for you :)

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