9 Healthy Habits Of People With Fun Lives And Lots Of Friends
Being social and fun-loving is something people work at.
Social media can emphasize the feeling of being unnoticed, lonely, and left out. When we do manage to psych ourselves up to reach out, join in and engage, it can be draining — emotionally, psychologically, and physically. You can’t help but wonder how other people can be so social and still have energy for their own lives.
If this is you, maybe it is nice to know you aren’t alone — and there’s likely nothing wrong with you. Creating (and enjoying) a thriving social life takes work! It’s a skill, like any other, and if it’s important to you, it’s worth the effort.
Nine habits of people who have fun lives and loads of friends
1. They manage feelings of social vulnerability
How about instead of forcing ourselves to use all our skills and strain our system to go out and meet new people in new places, we start with small, micro-social engagements?
Let’s try to harness “the love chemical” to help us better read social cues — which in turn helps us notice and filter social stimuli — a key challenge for those of us who can feel bombarded in social settings.
2. The understand the “science of connection”
Oxytocin, known as “the love chemical,” is essential for social bonding, as explained in Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology Journal. This critical neuropeptide helps everyone – infants to the elderly – bond with others. It builds trust and connection and raises self-confidence.
When you feel a connection with someone, oxytocin is likely surging in both brains, signaling friendly intentions. This sensation encourages you to reach out – emotionally and possibly physically.
3. They enjoy their little micro-connections
They are small, everyday acts of kindness. Every time you hold the door open or smile at a passing stranger, you are creating a micro-moment of connection. They are mini “love” moments that can raise oxytocin in our brains and in others too.