The most meaningful ways to connect with others varies based on the situation and people involved. While deep conversations are profound, lighthearted interactions can also create strong connections. The following are nine ways to interact with others that may help in achieving social connections. There isn’t a single best way to experience social connection. Instead, think of different ways to connect as tools in a social toolkit. Multiple connection methods can be present in any interaction. The key is understanding who you are connecting with and addressing the needs of the moment.

Heart to Hearts: Deep connection happens when we share our true selves and offer each other understanding and care. These meaningful conversations create emotional intimacy, leading to trust and special knowledge of each other.

Sharing Laughter: Connecting through humor, especially friendly and inclusive jokes (affiliative humor), can strengthen bonds. This type of humor ensures everyone feels genuinely amused, fostering a sense of connection.

Supporting Each Other: Both giving and receiving help connect us. We feel closer when someone responds to our needs or when we meet others’ needs effectively. Support can be practical (driving someone), emotional (helping with feelings), or informational (giving advice).

Expressing and Receiving Gratitude: Showing appreciation helps form and maintain relationships. Gratitude is most effective when it’s specific about how someone met our needs, highlighting their support.

Giving and Receiving Affection: Both giving and receiving affection create connection. Affection can be verbal (saying “I love you”) or physical (appropriate touch) and should match the other person’s preferences.

Moving Our Bodies Together: Synchronizing physical movements, like dancing or exercising together, releases bonding hormones. Activities that put us in sync with others enhance our sense of connection.

Sharing Positive Emotions: When we feel and express joy together, it creates a connection called positivity resonance. Shared joy opens us up to others, syncing our gestures and rhythms, and enhancing our happiness more than if we experienced it alone.

Finding Common Ground: Feeling connected often comes from noticing shared beliefs, values, and thoughts with others. We don’t need to agree on everything, but highlighting similarities can strengthen our bond even when we differ.

Celebrating Each Other’s Good Fortune: Sharing and receiving positive feedback about good news builds trust and connection. This process, called capitalization, shows that we care about each other’s lives, deepening our relationship.

Again, there isn’t a single best way to experience social connection. Instead, think of different ways to connect as tools in a social toolkit. Multiple connection methods can be present in any interaction. The key is understanding who you are connecting with and addressing the needs of the moment.