DEFINITION

Being social is the act of actively engaging with others in a positive and meaningful way. It involves forming connections, building relationships, and participating in social activities. Being social also includes qualities such as kindness, empathy, and communication skills, all of which are important for fostering healthy and fulfilling relationships with others.

RELEVANCE

Being social has a multitude of benefits and implications for both individuals and society as a whole. One of the primary social implications of being social is the ability to form strong and supportive relationships with others. These relationships can provide a sense of belonging, support, and companionship, which in turn can improve mental health and overall well-being. Studies have shown that people who are social tend to have lower rates of depression, anxiety, and loneliness compared to those who are more isolated.

Being social also promotes a sense of community and connectedness. When individuals come together to socialize, whether it be with friends, family, or peers, they are able to share experiences, ideas, and perspectives, leading to a greater sense of unity and understanding. This can help build stronger communities and foster a sense of cooperation and collaboration among members.

Additionally, being social can lead to increased opportunities for personal and professional growth. By networking and socializing with others, individuals can gain valuable insights, knowledge, and support that can help them advance in their careers and personal lives. Social connections can also open doors to new opportunities, such as job prospects, collaborations, and friendships that may not have been possible otherwise.

On a larger scale, being social can have positive effects on society as a whole. Social interactions help create a sense of cohesion and harmony among communities, fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society. By promoting empathy, understanding, and communication, being social can help bridge divides and promote unity among diverse groups of people.

HOW TO BE

While some individuals may naturally gravitate towards socializing, others may find it more challenging to break out of their comfort zones and engage with others. However, being social is a skill that can be developed and cultivated over time. Here are some tips on how to be more social:

1. Be open and approachable: One of the first steps to being social is to be open to new experiences and interactions. Smile, make eye contact, and engage in small talk with others to show that you are approachable and friendly.
2. Listen actively: Being a good listener is an essential aspect of being social. Show genuine interest in others by listening attentively, asking questions, and showing empathy towards their thoughts and feelings.
3. Participate in social activities: Join clubs, organizations, or community events that align with your interests and values. This will provide opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and engage in social activities together.
4. Initiate conversations: Don’t be afraid to take the first step in starting a conversation with someone new. Ask about their interests, opinions, or experiences to show that you are interested in getting to know them better.
5. Be authentic: Authenticity is key to building genuine relationships with others. Be yourself, share your thoughts and experiences openly, and be willing to show vulnerability when appropriate.
6. Practice empathy and kindness: Show compassion and understanding towards others by practicing empathy and kindness in your interactions. This will help build trust and rapport with others and create a positive and supportive social environment.

THOUGHTS

Living your life? Having friends? So far so good, hope you have healthy relationships, support each other and inspire each other.

But have you ever thought about why there is poverty? Homelessness? Loneliness? These things do exist directly next to us without us noticing. Why so? Because there is no connection, one might not know about the problems of the neighbour, one might not have a relationship to his mother et cetera et cetera.

I do not want to plead for former times – any time got its issues – but relationships were defined differently. It was not only about who made you happy and who had a similar mindset but rather about who was close to you and who’s help one might need once. This resulted in a heterogenous community, in a big whole, in a society of interdependency. Nowadays, having those individualised relationships with friends, resulting in cliques, leads to homogenous bubbles. A bubble which is defined to the inside but is also defined to the outside.