- Notice the people in your neighborhood. Research suggests that you can build social capital without realizing it, through the many brief and incidental acquaintances you make as you go about your day. While you rush around town, take a few extra moments to chat with the people you encounter along the way. Studies indicate that these “invisible ties” may bring concrete financial and psychological rewards.
- Deepen new ties. It takes time to transform a casual acquaintance into a trusted friend, and not everyone will fit the bill. To work toward cultivating a stronger bond with someone, be the kind of friend that you want to have—for example, be trustworthy when they confide in you and generous when they need you, and hopefully they will do the same. Research also suggests that self-disclosure, or sharing personal details about yourself and letting the other person respond in turn, can help strengthen relationships. But be careful when divulging private information in more public settings like Facebook, as this can backfire and make you feel less supported, especially if you’re low in self-esteem.
- Recognize the ties you already have. In moments of stress, we sometimes forget about the many people who care for us. The Feeling Supported practice invites you to call to mind the specific people who support you and to remember a time when they comforted you. In doing so, you can increase your feelings of safety and security, and be in a better position to help and offer compassion to others.
- Join diverse communities. Although our social worlds can sometimes feel narrow and clique-ish, there are plenty of communities, online and offline, that are more inclusive and diverse. Joining a volunteer organization, for instance, has been linked to many physical and mental health benefits; also consider online discussion forums and common interest groups (e.g., kickball teams, book clubs). Joining communities like these can help you meet people from different walks of life—an important source of social capital.
You can also read our article analyzing the results from the rest of the Greater Good community.
