S4 - Connection Problems?
Objective: To strengthen the ability to connect with people despite possible differences that may make it difficult to establish a relationship.
Description:
- The student should choose a person with whom he/she feels he/she does not have an established friendly relationship.
- For as long as possible, for at least a week, he/she will spend time with that person.
- He/she may initiate the activity with a conversation, a note, affirming qualities of the individual, or doing some act of service (Elmore, 2012).
- At the end of the week, the student should reflect:
Prior to the exercise, why do you feel an initial connection was not made?
During the exercise: Was it difficult or complicated, What made it difficult, How does this experience affect my abilities to make connections with others, What did I learn from the exercise?
Closing: Communication is a fundamental tool for establishing interpersonal relationships. There are many variables that can restrict effective communication, among the most prominent of which are gender differences, power hierarchies, childhood trauma, family culture, and emotional reactivity (Gunther, 2019). Therefore, recognizing and reflecting on one's own limitations can allow the learner to step out of their comfort zone and be more receptive to other people, despite their differences.