As my children and other family members branch out in life, I find myself meeting lots of new people. I love what these new people bring to my life. I enjoy their stories and quests. I learn a lot from them and have an opportunity to support these people in a variety of ways.
As I pondered this reality, I wondered about the experience of meeting new people and nurturing those relationships. What's important?
Observation, listening and presence
When new people come into our world it is important to make time to observe, listen and be present. In their midst, you may wonder who are these people, what do they love, what do they want, what do they need? Over time, like unwrapping a present, they will reveal themselves.
Conversation
The way we converse with new people we meet matters too. Do we barge in with all kinds of sensitive questions? Do we tell jokes or go on and on with stories? Do we simply use small talk or do we go deeper with the conversation? Much like a dance, conversing with new people is a give and take--a step-by-step exploration of each other's interests, openness and style.
Shared experiences
One of the best ways to know new people is to engage in shared experiences. These experiences strengthen ties and help you to understand each other more. Of course, it's important that the shared experiences are not overwhelming or outside of a person's comfort level, but when mutually planned with just-right intimacy, these shared experiences are a sure way to nurture connections.
No one is everything
It's important to keep in mind that no one will be everything to you or for you--every relationship will bring with it a unique set of good connections, but not all connections. With some, you may want to adventure, and for others, it may be best to make time to converse about books, movies, shared work and other endeavor. Discovering what a new friendship is and can be is part of the positivity of meeting new people.
Support
Every good relationship profits from the support we give to one another--what we do to help each other and make life positive. This is a key ingredient to relationships old and new.
It's important to continually meet new people in life. Those people make your life more interesting and complete. I'm happy that I have this opportunity. Onward.