The Science of Connection
True or False: Having close friends is linked to lower rates of depression.
True
You joined a volleyball meetup group to meet new people and be active. Great job! You just finished playing a match with your team. How can you start a conversation to begin connecting?
What do you like to do for fun? What brought you here? etc.
This social media platform is used for organizing interest groups for in-person or virtual gatherings to meet new people, learn new things, find support, get out of their comfort zones, and pursue their passions, together, in their local community.
"Lack of time" is a commonly reported obstacle for adults to make friends. What is a way to overcome this barrier?
Schedule specific times to connect
Invite friends to join regular activities (like errands, workouts, or meals)
Viewing friendships as essential for well-being rather than as “extra” or optional.
What’s one question you can ask someone new to learn more about them after they said what they did for work or an interest? (i.e. follow up questions).
What do you like to do for fun? What brought you here? What your favorite and least favorite aspect of your job? What brought you to this career path?
What hormone often increases when we experience bonding and trust?
Oxytocin
It's your first week at a new job and there is a coworker you could see a potential friendship with. Act out a way to ask to hang outside of work without forcing it?
Walk after or before work, grab a coffee, group office hang, invite to low-stakes weekend one-on-one (like farmers market or yoga class or hobby of choice).
POSSIBLE DAILY DOUBLE!
This type of meeting focuses on supporting recovery from substance addictions, behavioral addictions and compulsions. It is also a way to meet others on their recovery journey for a support system outside of programs.
Name as many different 12-steps programs you know(200 points for naming at least 5, 400 bonus points for naming at least 10).
"Introversion" is a commonly reported obstacle for adults to make friends. How can introverts use their natural strengths to make friends?
By being good listeners, asking thoughtful questions, and creating meaningful conversations (not small talk), prepare a few topics or questions in advance.
Focus on quality over quantity—building deeper connections with a few people rather than many.
What are two ways to show your appreciation to a new friend?
Verbal affirmation, remembering details, small gestures, invitations, written notes, thank-you texts etc.
According to the longest study on happiness, what was found to be the number one factor that makes us happy in life and helps us ‘live longer’?
The quality of one's social relationships.
A friend of yours just texted the group chat with a "joke" that actually felt hurtful. How might you handle this situation to both let them know and keep the friendship?
Private call, text, or meet up:
Use “I” statements: Express your feelings or needs from your perspective (e.g., “I feel…”).
Be direct and honest without assigning blame but stating impact.
Keep your tone calm. Assume good intent.
Communicate positively and cooperatively, even on difficult topics.
The popular dating app Bumble, is just used for finding love; it also offers two additional in-app services on their platform. Name these two services.
"Buzz" Business Networking and Bumble BFF
"Being Too Picky" is a commonly reported obstacle for adults to make friends. How can being too selective get in the way of making friends?
Bonus 100 pts: What is a way to overcome this?
It can cause missed opportunities to connect with people who don’t fit a perfect mold but could still bring joy and support.
* Give new people a few chances before deciding whether the connection is worth pursuing, focus on shared values, and appreciate their strengths rather than their flaws to build lasting. * friendships.
Name two qualities that help build lasting friendships.
Trust, consistency, vulnerability, authenticity, generosity, etc.
What part of the brain is stimulated when we feel socially connected, helping reduce stress?
Feeling socially connected activates parts of the "social brain" network, including the prefrontal cortex, the amygdala (which is dampened, reducing stress), and the nucleus accumbens, which is a key part of the brain's reward system.
You joined a running club and made an acquaintance with someone you enjoy talking to. Act out asking them to meet outside of the running club.
Grab a bite afterwards, meet up before, movie, common interest.
This online resource can be utilize by users "to browse, create, and promote local events" in cities across the US.
Adults often struggle to make friends because of this worry, which can be eased by practicing conversations, joining interest-based groups, gradual exposure to new people, and viewing declines as a normal part of connecting. What is this worry?
Fear of Rejection
Name 4 ways to be more active in your local community.
Try a rec class, join a hobby/interest club, spiritual center, reconnect with old friends and family, volunteering, support groups, attend local business events.
How might social connection impact the following dimensions of health: physical, mental/emotional, cognitive, occupational, and spiritual?
100pts each
Up to the Discretion of the Judge. Generally, should refer to the following:
Lower BP, lower risk of cardiovascular disease, boost immune system, lower depression and anxiety, improve resilience, sense of belonging, memory, attention, language, problem solving, improve work satisfaction, growth opportunities, reduce burnout, provide sense of community, altruism.
You've hung out with these 2 friends at a book club that you joined at least 5 times. You are having a heavy week. Act out a way to let them in on your experience that invites in some vulnerability to build trust but is not too risky for you to share.
Practice self-disclosure gradually. You can start small and notice reactions to tell you to proceed or not. But if you never take small risks, never know if you can trust.
This community resource in Charlotte, NC is where you can go to sign up for programs including kayaking, sports leagues, nature walks, pickleball, line dancing, karaoke, swimming, art, and educational classes.
Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation
or
YMCA
What is YOUR biggest personal barrier that prevents you from making more friends/social support in adulthood?
What have you tried to do to address it?
What is one thing you haven't tried yet that you could use to overcome it? (must answer all 3 for 500 points)
Up to the Discretion of the Judge: Generally responses should be defended by clients for authenticity.
What’s a step-by-step plan for turning an acquaintance into a friend?
1) Initiate contact, 2) Find shared interest, 3) Invite to spend time, 4) Open up gradually, 5) Keep showing up