It’s much easier to feel disconnected from others than you might think. Even when you’re surrounded by people at work or at home, it can still feel as though something’s missing.
This sense of not quite clicking with others can be difficult to identify, but it’s still something many people experience at different points in life.
In fact, there are signs that it may be becoming more common. Research from Bupa (February 2026) found that, between January 2022 and December 2025, UK Google searches for phrases such as “meet friends online” increased sixfold.
Moreover, searches for “how to make new friends as an adult” and “random stranger chat” also doubled.
While it is easier than ever to stay in touch with others, actually forming meaningful relationships can still take time and effort.
Thankfully, there are small, practical things you can do to make a difference. Continue reading to discover five tips for building more meaningful connections.
1. Apply the “5-3-1” rule
These days, it’s easy to feel as though you should be keeping up with everyone at all times by replying to messages, making plans, and staying in touch.
However, in reality, spreading yourself too thin can leave many relationships feeling surface-level rather than genuinely meaningful.
As such, you might want to practise the “5-3-1” rule. This involves keeping in touch with about five people regularly, making time to see three of them when you can, and intentionally focusing on one relationship that matters most to you.
This could mean picking up the phone rather than sending a quick message, or making plans that give you adequate time together instead of something squeezed in.
Of course, the rule isn’t about cutting people out or reducing your social circle, but rather about recognising that your time and energy are limited and choosing to invest them where they’ll have the most impact, which could help relationships feel stronger and more natural.
2. Be genuinely interested in those around you
It might sound obvious, but taking a genuine interest in people is easier to overlook than you might think.
You may find that you drift through conversations only half-listening, especially when you’re busy or distracted.
You might simply be thinking about what you’re going to say next as you try to keep the conversation going.
Taking a step back and really listening can help foster relationships. This could be as simple as remembering something someone mentioned the last time you spoke or giving them space to finish what they were saying without interrupting.
These seemingly insignificant signals show you’re engaged and interested, helping others feel comfortable opening up more.
3. Try to maintain a positive attitude
You don’t have to be upbeat all the time, and there’s little need to force anything that doesn’t feel natural.
Yet, the way you show up and act around others can have more of an effect than you might realise.
Indeed, if you come across as open and relaxed, people might be more likely to feel at ease around you.
Again, this doesn’t mean always being cheerful or avoiding difficult topics, but more about being present and showing appreciation whenever you can.
Even the smaller things, such as reacting positively to something they’ve shared, can help create a more comfortable dynamic and make interactions much easier.
4. Find some common ground
While you may think you need to have lots in common with someone to build a connection, this isn’t necessarily the case.
In fact, it’s often the smaller, more unexpected commonalities that help conversations flow more easily.
This might be a shared interest, a similar experience, or even something as simple as enjoying the same café.
Being open to these small points of connection could take some of the pressure off being with someone, especially if you’re meeting a new person or trying to strengthen an early relationship.
It can also help to be a bit more open about your own interests, even if they feel ordinary. This can sometimes give the other person something to relate to, helping the conversation develop more naturally.
5. Be as reliable as possible
Another tip that sounds clear but is often overlooked is actually doing what you say you’ll do. Otherwise, you could inadvertently end up weakening relationships over time.
Being reliable by showing up when you said you would and following through on plans can help build trust gradually.
And this doesn’t have to be anything big – small, consistent actions can make a big difference.
If someone feels they can rely on you, they might be more likely to feel comfortable investing their time and energy in the relationship.
Of course, things don’t always go to plan, and you may need to rearrange at times. Still, being mindful of how often this happens and making an effort to communicate clearly could help maintain that sense of trust.
