In a world where swiping right and liking someone’s dog photo counts as “building connections,” we often find ourselves craving deeper, more meaningful relationships. Whether it’s with friends, partners, family, or that one coworker who microwaves fish in the office (we’ll get to conflict resolution in a moment), fostering real connections takes time, effort, and a sprinkle of finesse. So, buckle up for some practical advice, delivered with just enough wit to make it stick.

1. How to Build Meaningful Connections (No, It’s Not by Adding People on LinkedIn)

First off, meaningful connections aren’t about quantity—they’re about quality. You can have 500 friends on social media, but if you can’t call a single one at 2 a.m. when you’re having an existential crisis, you might want to reconsider the depth of those connections.

So, how do you foster connections that actually mean something?

Be Vulnerable.
People often think that vulnerability is a weakness, but it’s actually a superpower in disguise. Sharing your insecurities, hopes, and dreams builds trust. If you’re only showing your highlight reel, people might appreciate you from a distance, but they won’t connect with you on a deep level. Just make sure you’re not oversharing on the first date by talking about your childhood fears (save that for date three).

Listen Like You Mean It.
You know that friend who’s always waiting for their turn to talk instead of actually listening? Don’t be that person. Active listening means being present in the conversation, nodding thoughtfully (not just because you saw it in a TED Talk), and resisting the urge to plan your response while the other person is speaking. It’s amazing how far a little genuine attention can go.

Common Ground Isn’t Always a Necessity.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to share every interest with someone to connect with them. In fact, some of the best relationships thrive on differences. Just because they love birdwatching and you think birds are suspicious doesn’t mean you can’t bond over something else—like a mutual love for sushi or sarcasm.

2. Conflict Resolution: How to Disagree Without Unfriending Each Other

Now, onto the fun stuff—resolving conflicts. No matter how perfect a relationship seems, disagreements are inevitable. The key is handling them in a way that doesn’t lead to an epic fallout or passive-aggressive texts.

Step 1: Stay Cool (Or at Least Pretend To).
Conflicts often escalate because one or both parties lose their cool. Take a deep breath, count to ten, or—if you’re feeling dramatic—go full yogi and chant a mantra. Whatever works to keep your emotions in check. Approaching the issue with a level head makes a huge difference.

Step 2: Avoid the Blame Game.
It’s tempting to say, “This is all your fault!” and drop the mic, but that won’t resolve anything. Focus on the issue, not the person. Use “I” statements instead of “You” statements. For example, “I feel hurt when this happens,” is much less likely to spark World War III than, “You always do this!”

Step 3: The Magic of Compromise.
Compromise is the secret sauce to resolving conflicts. It doesn’t mean you’re caving in or losing, but rather finding a middle ground where both parties feel heard and respected. It’s like deciding on a pizza topping—you may love mushrooms and they hate them, but surely you can agree on pepperoni.

Step 4: Know When to Apologize.
There’s a time to stand your ground, and there’s a time to admit you were wrong (even if it stings a little). A sincere apology can heal wounds faster than you think, but please—skip the “I’m sorry you feel that way” apologies. That’s not an apology; that’s deflection.

3. Nurturing Healthy Relationships: Not Just Watering the Plants

Once you’ve built those meaningful connections and learned how to resolve conflicts, the next step is nurturing those relationships so they can grow. Spoiler alert: Relationships require maintenance, just like plants (except relationships can’t be revived with extra sunlight after two weeks of neglect).

Communicate Regularly.
Yes, life gets busy, and we can all go days—or weeks—without texting back. But consistent communication is key to keeping relationships alive. It doesn’t have to be a deep conversation every time; sometimes a simple “How’s it going?” or sending a funny meme can go a long way in keeping the connection strong.

Celebrate Small Wins.
Whether it’s your friend landing a new job or your partner cooking a decent meal without setting off the smoke alarm, celebrate the little victories in each other’s lives. Support and positivity create an environment where people feel valued, appreciated, and motivated to stick around.

Final Thoughts: The Glue that Holds It All Together

In the end, relationships are less about grand gestures and more about the little, consistent efforts that show you care. Meaningful connections require authenticity, communication, and conflict resolution skills that go beyond Instagram likes. They require showing up, even when it’s tough, and learning to grow together rather than apart.

So, whether you’re building new friendships, keeping the peace in a relationship, or trying to patch things up with the microwaved-fish coworker, remember that relationships are a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient, be kind, and if all else fails, bring snacks. Everyone loves snacks.