We humans are social beings. We thrive on human interaction, even if we are introverts. Whether that be with their friends, family, or colleagues, getting regular doses of healthy, life-giving interaction energizes and protects us from threats to our health.  For more on this idea, check out the Blue Zones research on the web. During the depths of the pandemic, many teams and families were working and learning from home.  The isolation factor rose along with the stresses and strains of the pandemic surges and losses.  Even those who continued working at their stations, such as healthcare workers, experienced feeling lonely and isolated.  Conflicts increased for many, and relationships were weakened by distance or strain.Improving how one connects with others can positively influence the wellbeing of all.  So, if you and/or your team are feeling low, remember to pay attention to your social connection attitudes as you relate to each other each day. What are the attitudes necessary to improve the quality of connections and gain greater wellbeing and resilience?  Be compassionate.  Compassion includes the willingness to be open to yourself and others with a gentle, nonjudgmental attitude, even in painful times.  Expressing compassion toward another person—whether a romantic partner, friend, relative, or colleague—helps to create better communication and stronger bonds. Compassion is not taking on the suffering of others or absorbing their emotions.  Compassion is the practice of recognizing when someone else is unhappy or struggling and taking appropriate steps to help them. Be accepting. To be accepting of the other person in the relationship is most important.  This does not apply in unhealthy relationships where there may be abuse or unhealthy control.   Rather, it is to understand from where the other person is coming without judging them. It includes a realistic acceptance of the other’s strengths and weaknesses and knowing that change takes time. Be forgiving.  Bad news: disagreements and betrayals happen in relationships.   Good news: how you handle the hurt can have a powerful effect on the healing process. Choosing to forgive can produce many benefits for you and for the relationship. The Stanford Forgiveness Project found that it’s easier to let go of anger or hurt if you remember that much of the distress comes from the thoughts and feelings experienced while remembering the event—not the event itself.  Be the initiator.  To nurture close and supportive friendships, someone must make the effort to connect. Gallup researchers found that initiating gatherings or activities helps to build stronger relationships and positive energy. Initiating regular “rituals” that you can share with others without adding stress is the key.  You can initiate connections such as talking by phone on set days, walking during lunch breaks or in the mornings or evenings, regular coffee chats, or online coffee chats with friends who are far away.  Stepping up to initiate social connection with the ones you care about the most can increase wellbeing and social resilience.