WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — With social media and the internet allowing us to stay more connected than ever, a recent study revealing that over half of Americans (54%) identify as “lonely” is not what you would expect. In fact, Washington, D.C. is the 2nd loneliest city in the country, according to recent research by CV Outreach. While technology has made communication easier and faster, it’s made it much more complicated for REAL connection.
That’s why “Super Connector” Power Couple Chris Winfield and Jen Gottlieb, founder and host of Unfair Advantage Live, want DC residents to feel more connected and less lonely.
"I think that it's this myth that just because there are so many people around and there is so much to do, that we should feel connected. But I think with people being on their phones, people are just living in this disconnected, super connected world," explains Winfield.
Chris & Jen have actionable tips on how anyone can feel more connected and less lonely starting now.
1) Make your top 20 list
In a simple notebook create a list of the top 20 people you want to connect with. Make it a list of Win/Win connections. Think that about people that could potentially help you and that you could potentially list. It's nothing fancy. Maybe it's somebody you went to school with, you work with a friend you haven't seen.
2) Connect with one new person a day from that list
One of the best ways to get people to open up and feel vulnerable enough to open up to you, is to do it first. Be open, honest and vulnerable to them and they feel more comfortable to open up to you.
3) Replace scrolling with connecting.
Instead of scrolling social media, replace it with writing a letter or an email to someone you haven't spoken to in a while.
4) Throw a connection dinner.
Bring together a group of people that don't know each other.
Chris and Jen throw Connection Dinners around the country.
"At our dinners we have everyone answer the question "What do you need help with right now?" so that people start connecting more vulnerability and creating win-win relationships."
5) Use technology to make new friends
Yes, it's still okay to use your smart phones to connect, but do it through friend finding apps. Look for people who have similar interests as you. Some apps include, Bumble BFF, Instagram, Facebook Events and Meetup.
To find out more about Chris Winfield and Jenn Gottlieb, visit their site www.chriswinfield.com