Making human connections. That definitely does not translate to checking “likes” or sharing memes on social media. Human connection happens usually in person, but it can occur in a phone call if distance is an issue. Conversation in the old-fashioned sense is becoming a minor chord in many lives.
These gentlemen were captured PRIOR to the pandemic
Remember watching Anthony Bourdain? He was all about making that human connection. Having a conversation with someone sometimes leads to a topic where each of you sits on opposite sides and that’s okay. More than okay. In one of Bourdain’s books he was quoted saying, “I don’t have to agree with you to like you or respect you.” And how often have we gained respect for someone who is willing to stand behind their beliefs or to explain their reasoning? One of my all time longest friends is someone like that. She and I barely agree on most things. But I hold a lot of respect for her and consider her a steadfast friend.
“You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together.” – -Anthony Bourdain
Connecting with others is something that we nurture and grow, a connection that can only be cultivated between people when we can look them in the eye, read their body language, share time and often food together. Even during this time of personal distancing, we are still able to gather albeit in small circles and keeping our distance.
Even though it’s not something done in person, I also consider letter-writing (and therefore letter-receiving) to be connecting with others. After all, by taking the time to sit and consider what we’d like to share or tell the recipient, we are truly making a connection from our inner self to them.
“A letter, before the content is even read, has already said, “I care about you. You’re someone special.” And that is a message that all enjoy.” — Wesley Baines
Human connection is simply sharing some of our life with someone important to us. But to be meaningful and for it to nourish, social media is not the way. Gather in person. Pick someone. Take a walk or bike ride together. Invite someone over to play lawn darts or bocci. Have a picnic with them. Go to a book store or museum with someone. Share a cup of tea or a meal. Do life together.
These friends and their dogs were also captured PRIOR to the pandemic
What is one of your favourite ways of connecting or gathering?
it occurred to me as soon as i saw the photos in this post how i’m already alarmed at seeing people close together like this. (there’s a sentence i never thought i’d write)
so true about sharing a meal with people. if i’m forced to participate in a meal with people i’m uncomfortable with, i can only eat a small amount and it never settles well.
i tell my husband frequently, i’m very particular about who i break bread with.
it’s such an intimate thing