I’m not entirely convinced that adults are truly on the hunt for deep connections these days. It feels like that ship has sailed. Nowadays, we seem to prefer having someone around for the occasional chat rather than diving into a deep friendship. The idea of a friend calling up out of the blue to catch a ball game feels more tiresome than fun for most of us. We might say we want friends, but it has to fit into our own terms and schedules. And let’s be real, after a long day, all we really want to do is head home, kick back, and relax. But despite this, we’re still grappling with feelings of belonging, connection, and loneliness. That’s where making small connections with people throughout the day comes in handy. From my own experience, it’s not a deep friendship, but it does give a feeling of connection, and it does help with the feeling of loneliness and isolation. I’ve found that chatting with the crossing guard, having a brief conversation with the barista, or simply asking a coworker how their day is going can really make a difference. These little interactions can go a long way in combating feelings of isolation and the desire to be left alone. So, next time you’re feeling a bit disconnected, don’t underestimate the power of a small chat… it’ll brighten your day and make you feel a little less alone.