Socializing Is a Huge Need — Even If You Think You Don’t Want It

At Mingle, our events are about much more than dating.

We create opportunities for people to get out, connect and enjoy life. Our events focus on people’s talents, letting loose, health, activities, sports and simply having fun with other people. We also have a quality and varied group of people, which gives members the opportunity to meet people they might never cross paths with otherwise.

But I’ve noticed something.

Sometimes people aren’t avoiding socializing because they don’t want connection. They’re tired. They’re busy. They’ve been hurt. They’re insecure. Or they’ve gone through a difficult marriage, breakup or life experience that has made getting back out there feel intimidating.

And sometimes the longer you stay away, the harder it becomes to get back out.

This is one reason I believe socializing is so important — especially when you’re going through a difficult period in your life.

You don’t have to be ready for a relationship.

You don’t even have to be looking for one.

Getting out, talking to people, laughing, participating in something you enjoy and simply being around others can have value on its own. Sometimes what you need after a breakup isn’t another relationship. You need to feel like yourself again.

Socializing can also give us perspective. When we isolate ourselves, it’s very easy to get stuck inside our own thoughts and experiences. Being around different people exposes us to different personalities, ideas, experiences and ways of looking at life.

And this isn’t only for extroverts.

Introverts need connection too. Being social doesn’t mean you have to be the loudest person in the room or talk to everyone. It can simply mean finding environments and people where you feel comfortable enough to connect in your own way.

I also see people become extremely selective about who they will socialize with because they’re thinking only in terms of dating: “Would I date this person?”

But every person you meet doesn’t have to become a romantic partner for that connection to have value.

Someone might become a friend. They may introduce you to someone else. You may discover a new activity. You might learn something from them. Or you may simply have a really enjoyable conversation.

A healthy social life creates opportunities — not only for romance, but for friendship, community, belonging and experiences.

And ironically, when you stop making every social interaction about finding “the one,” you may actually create more opportunities for relationships to develop naturally.

If something is stopping you from getting social — whether it’s confidence, fear, a breakup, feeling rusty, or simply not knowing how to get started again — and you feel you need some help, contact me.

Sometimes you just need a little guidance getting back out there.

Food for thought.