12 Tips for Bonding with Someone (and Forming a Deep Connection).

Bonding has been the subject of many studies. There are a few simple ways to build strong emotional bonds.

How to build a stronger bond with someone.

1. Be Friendly

According to studies, we are more likely to like people who share our values. You can think of it this way: If you show your friend that you value him or her with words and actions, he or she will likely respect you more. This is known as reciprocal liking in psychology.

• Be friendly and warm
• Compliment someone
• You can show your happiness by showing that you’re happy to see them
• Tell them you enjoy hanging out with them
• Stay in touch

This guide will give you more detailed advice on how to show your appreciation and liking.

2. Concentrate on the commonalities between you

We are drawn to those with whom we share similar values. People will be more attracted to you if you focus on your similarities instead of your differences. [ 2][ 1][ 3]

You and your friend may both enjoy Star Wars movies, sports, or Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s pre-controversy. Focus on what you enjoy doing or talking about. Join a sports team. If you’re into sci-fi movies, plan a regular series/movie night.

3. Listen well

According to research, listening is a key factor in bonding. If you pay attention to someone and ignore all distractions, and other competing priorities, then you are showing your friend how much you value their needs.

Put down your phone. When they are talking, look them in the eyes. You can repeat back to them what they said so that they know you are listening and understand.

This is a powerful affirmation of care and love that will bring you together.

4. Open up

Share your worries, insecurities, and fears with others to feel closer. You don’t need to share something personal. Just something that is relatable. You might be nervous about a presentation you’re giving. You may be worried about your car breaking down and needing to get it repaired before going away for the weekend.

By doing this, you build trust between you. As you become closer, your sharing can become more personal. It is a gradual process. First, reveal the little things, and then move on to deeper, more meaningful issues. It takes time for strong emotional bonds to develop. Enjoy getting to know one another and be patient.

5. Maintaining rapport

When two people are in harmony, they have rapport. They could both be calm, or energetic. Both could use simple or complex language. Both of them could speak fast or slowly.

If one person has a lot of energy, speaks fast and in a complicated way, they will find it difficult to bond with someone who uses simple, calm language and is calm.

Your body language and the way you speak are more important to building rapport than what you actually say. (Source)

6. Spend time with each other

A study looked at how many hours are needed to develop a true friendship.

These numbers prove that bonding takes time. Even if you spend 3 hours a day with someone, it will still take 100 days for them to become your best friend. Casual friend: 30 to 40 hours. Friends: 50 to 60 hours. Good friend: About 140 hours Best friend: Around 200 hours. [8]

You want to be in situations where you will spend a lot of time with other people. Joining a course, a class or a coliving is a good way to do this. Volunteering or being involved in a group project. Ask yourself how to spend a lot of time together in a natural way.

7. Enjoy what you and your partner enjoy

What fun things do you both do together?

Is it derpy dog videos? You may remember your teenage years by watching anime. Netflix stand-up comedy nights?

You can bond by doing things that are fun and enjoyable for you both.

8. Open yourself to receiving and giving feedback

Honesty on both sides is a sign of care and trust. True friends will tell you the truth even if they are not comfortable with it. You need to be able give your friends honest feedback.

Acceptance and flexibility are more important than self-defense when someone offers feedback or suggestions about your actions. Tell your friend in a non confrontational manner how you feel if they do something that you dislike.

9. Compliment someone in person

Sincere compliments demonstrate that you care about your friend. The same as receiving cash, praise stimulates the brain. Compliments are free.

Simple compliments like “I admire your ability to work with children” or “I love your glasses” can be very effective.

10. Share your goals

The best rallying call is “We’re all in this together”. Marriages are successful, friendships endure, and companies with healthy cultures thrive.

You share similar goals and are committed to each other for the long haul. It can be a shared phase in life: early adulthood or parenthood.

It is important to find a common ground with someone when you want to build a strong relationship.

Consider your goals in life, and what you can do to help your friend achieve them. You will likely get help from your friend to achieve your goals.

11. Plan your adventure

Fear and emotion can quickly create a bond between two individuals.

Try zip-lining, sky-diving, or rock-climbing with someone you love. You will be closer after the experience, and your stories will show how deep you are connected.

It also works when you’re planning a date. Science has shown that fear is correlated with sexual attraction. You can get a friend and a partner.

12. Prioritize a meeting over texting or calling

Texting is fast. Calls are great, but they can distract you from other things. It’s impossible to fully understand someone unless you are in the same space with them, see their face, and hear their voice. You enjoy being with each other because it is intimate.

You can also create time in your schedule to spend with each other. Instead of just staying in touch via social media, suggest meeting for coffee.