Figuring out how to build an emotional connection with a friend or family member can feel impossible. It\u2019s the small lonely moments that add up that prompt these challenging feelings of disconnect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Need to send Christmas Cards and want them mailed for you? Send them right now in minutes. Postable will print, address, and mail them for you.<\/p>\n
Disconnect feels like showing someone your favorite movie and they\u2019re not paying attention. It feels like sharing a story and no one listening, and it feels like opening an empty mailbox during Christmastime. Fortunately, psychology experts offer insight and tips for building an emotional connection with your loved ones.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
An emotional connection is a special bond built between people with intention, trust, and vulnerability. These three contributions set the scene for a natural intimacy to grow. According to Calm<\/a>, an emotional connection is not just about sharing your life. However, \u201cit\u2019s about feeling close, valued, and cared for by the other person.\u201d For example, it feels like watching your favorite movie with your crush, looking over, and seeing they\u2019re actually watching the film and not on their phone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many reasons why an emotional connection is important. Most importantly, is the fact that an emotional connection adds value to your life. A meaningful connection is beneficial to our mental wellness thus leading to a life of safety, security, and support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Likewise, when we don\u2019t feel safe or heard, we create superficial relationships. \u201cWhen we feel safe to open up, we foster genuine care for each other’s needs, leading to happiness and long-term emotional intimacy,\u201d said psychotherapist Ilene S. Cohen at PsychologyToday<\/a>. Therefore, creating a strong emotional connection and holding the relationship together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Firstly, access the status of the relationships you care about. Do you feel confident in these relationships? How does the other person feel? Is there room for growth? Look for the following five signs of an emotional connection to gauge where your connection is strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Building an open channel of communication is crucial for an emotional connection\u2019s foundation. Open channels allow space for feeling, vulnerability, and limitless potential for a genuine bond. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Look out for moments of vulnerability between yourself and loved ones. Whether you\u2019re sharing your feelings or sharing secrets in your open channel of communication, when you let yourself be vulnerable in the relationship – it reinforces an emotional connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, you might practice vulnerability but being direct can be just as hard. That\u2019s why when there\u2019s an emotional bond, you\u2019ll be able to recognize subtle communication from your partner like recognizing they\u2019re hungry from their attitude, the meaning of subconscious facial expressions, and body language. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Contemporary psychologist Dr. John Gottman conducted research and discovered strong couples exchange small attempts to connect such as support and affection. These acts are called \u201cbids.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThese interactions can be verbal or nonverbal. A person may be aware or unaware of the use of a bid,\u201d said Psychologist Angela Bisignano at GoodTherapy<\/a>, which in the end, causes an emotional disconnect. Some \u201cbid\u201d examples include sharing a smile, turning towards each other, or giving a compliment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In contrast to what most people might think, silence is a positive sign of a strong emotional connection. If you\u2019re able to sit in silence and feel safe and at peace with your loved ones, consider it an emotional connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, keep these signs in mind when evaluating your emotional bond with someone. Your emotional connection is probably stronger than you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, there are ways you can build towards an emotional connection if you\u2019re pining over someone or the bond needs maintenance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Gottman refers to body language as a crucial \u201cbid\u201d in building a connection. More specifically, when couples turn toward<\/a> each other. This simple act is an effective, positive, and subtle exchange helping couples build emotional intimacy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember to offer \u201cbids\u201d to your loved one daily. \u201cBids\u201d are more than just turning towards each other. Vocalize your feelings to your partner by opening up the communication. Don\u2019t just hear what your partner is saying, listen to them. Even sending a card in the mail will do the trick. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Building an emotional connection is not an easy feat. Though it is a worthwhile one. That’s why it\u2019s important to be intentional. Being intentional looks like setting aside time to discuss your relationship, checking in, and being honest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One tactful way to build an emotional bond is by using the acronym ARE. Psychologist and primary developer of Emotionally Focused Therapy, Dr. Sue Johnson<\/a>, wrote of three questions that help build an emotional connection. ARE stands for accessibility, responsiveness, and engagement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Touchbase with your loved one by asking, \u201cCan I reach you?\u201d A question like this opens the channel of communication mentioned before. Are you willing to reflect on your own feelings and their influence on others? Are you up to listening to your partner share the same?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Johnson also prompts the question, \u201cCan I rely on you to respond to me emotionally?\u201d This question offers the opportunity to make space for your partner\u2019s emotions, vulnerabilities, and needs. How are these factors contributing to your wellbeing in the relationship, are you aware of how you can support your partner?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDo I know you value me and stay close?\u201d Asking this question helps you be emotionally present in the emotional connection you\u2019re trying to build. Also consider if your partner is emotionally present for you as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Vulnerability is crucial for a strong bond. If \u201cbids\u201d and intentions were seeds then consider acts of vulnerability the sunlight and water the seeds need to grow. Show that you\u2019re serious about the relationship you\u2019re working on by sharing your strengths and weaknesses. This invites and encourages your partner to be vulnerable too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the best types of bids towards your loved one is by sharing your appreciation. At least, it\u2019s Postable\u2019s favorite. An easy way to show your appreciation is by sending a card in the mail. We can help with that. First, visit Postable to pick out a card whether it\u2019s a \u201cThinking of You\u201d<\/a> card or an annual Christmas card<\/a>. Secondly, write your thoughtful thanks on the card. Lastly, we address, print, and send out your thoughts of appreciation so you can continue building your emotional connections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning how to build an emotional connection can take time. Though if you do it right, you\u2019ll invest in something worthwhile both emotionally and logistically. Always begin by evaluating your situation and then implement the guidance from professionals like Dr. Gottman, Dr. Johnson, and the team at Calm. You can even rely on the team at Postable to help you create strong emotional bonds. No matter how you do it, building an emotional connection with someone special is beneficial to your wellbeing, your partner\u2019s mental health, and your life together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Figuring out how to build an emotional connection with a friend or family member can feel impossible. It\u2019s the small lonely moments that add up that prompt these challenging feelings of disconnect. Need to send Christmas Cards and want them mailed for you? Send them right now in minutes. Postable will print, address, and mail […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":17771,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_stopmodifiedupdate":false,"_modified_date":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[406],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhy is an emotional connection important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5 signs of emotional connection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Open communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Vulnerability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Verbal and nonverbal cues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBid\u201d exchanges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Silence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to build emotional connections in relationships<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Turn towards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Offer \u201cbids\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Be intentional<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Accessibility<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Responsiveness<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Engagement<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Practice vulnerability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Share your appreciation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n