As human beings we thrive on connecting in person. And - for as many benefits as the digital age offers - it simply can't deliver the personal connection. The key to addressing this challenge? Figure out how to create a very personal connection online. As a dating and relationship coach for over 15 years, my job is to help clients do exactly this. And as a widow who is dating again, I've undertaken this strategy for myself. Suggestion one for creating a more personal connection online: Clearly determine who you are as a unique person. What are your special interests? What are you passionate about? What unique talents do you have? What makes you happy every day? Create a few sentences to answer each of these questions. Suggestion two: Clearly determine which traits in another person are important to you and why. For example, if one trait is humor create a few sentences about why you'd like someone who's funny. What makes you laugh? Is it witty banter? Smart comments? Great comebacks? If one trait is honesty and integrity, write about what honesty and integrity mean to you and what someone would say or do to show you their definition is the same as yours. If one trait is religious, describe what their beliefs and actions would need to be to be in alignment with yours. Creating your profile: Now you're ready to include in your profile all your personal traits and the traits of the person who would be right for you. Write this in a story format, talking about yourself and them. Example: I enjoy cooking especially when it's for a special person in my life. And my very favorite thing is to cook with someone else. Take turns chopping and stirring and dancing while things are simmering. Do you enjoy being a sous chef or having a sous chef or taking turns? And what's your favorite thing to cook? Information like this gives you fun things to talk about in your initial texts and phone conversations. The conversations will feel more personal and less surface. I like giving clients a list of potential things to write about themselves and their future partners. They tell me they didn't realize dating could be this much fun. I hope this will help you feel more confident and connected in your digital interactions. Coach Christine
One strategy I use to make meaningful connections in the digital age is engaging in niche online communities, such as industry-specific forums and social media groups. By actively participating in discussions and providing valuable insights, I build rapport and establish trust with potential partners. My advice to others struggling to connect is to focus on authenticity-don't just seek out connections for personal gain. Instead, invest time in understanding others' needs and challenges, as this approach fosters genuine relationships that can lead to fruitful partnerships.