How to Emotionally Reconnect With People

In this phase of the pandemic, genuine, lasting connections might feel elusive. Attunement is the key.

Ashley Pallathra and Edward Brodkin
Forge

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Photo: Priscilla Du Preez via Unsplash

Quality connections are hard to come by… especially during the pandemic and with social distancing. But even in the Before Times, genuine, lasting connections seemed elusive.

But why?

Part of the problem may include the addictive nature of smartphones and social media. During the pandemic, these devices are a lifeline to our friends and loved ones. But in non-pandemic times, being glued to our screens and devices is more of a boon for marketers and advertisers than it is for the quality of our relationships.

Then there’s the chronic stresses and anxieties we face. It often feels impossible to manage all of the things coming at us. We seem to have a never-ending to do list. And the pandemic has increased this stress and anxiety to an existential level. So many of us move through our days chronically stressed and preoccupied with our own thoughts and worries, making us unable to really listen to each other for long.

So what can we do?

We each can work on the almost lost art of tuning in to each other, especially to the people in our vicinity, but even to people we communicate with…

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Ashley Pallathra and Edward Brodkin
Forge
Writer for

Co-authors of the new book “Missing Each Other: How to Cultivate Meaningful Connections.” Twitter: @ashleypallathra @tedbrodkin