The Power of Connections.

Social connections are so important in life - even in trivial circumstances. Yes, of course, you want to make sure the chemistry exists between you and your spouse or significant other. There needs to be a realized, established connection with your friends, as well. But that 'spark' needs to exist in other relationships as well in order for you to be able to fully enjoy certain experiences or be truly rewarded. Your doctors, your teachers, your co-workers. If that initial positive affinity isn't there, chances are you will not feel satisfied by the time spent with them. But I've realized that these connections cannot be forced - they exist naturally or they just simply don't. Surely you can learn to deal with certain people and make the relationship work...but that seems to be a never-ending battle against a complete subconscious connection (or in this case, disconnection) between personalities. You should find a comfortable, easy rapport with the people you surround yourself with.

Take, for instance, my insignificant visit to the writing center this afternoon. I normally schedule my time with the same tutor because I have discovered that we have that established bond. This makes us work well together and get a lot accomplished with the limited allocated time. But today I had to schedule my appointment with another tutor because my tutor wasn't available. When I sat down in the chair and handed over my paper, I knew, almost instantly, that this would not be a session that I was used to. This tutor's style was completely different. He sat for long periods of time in silence, questioned small, minute details and failed to focus on my primary concerns. He spoke slowly and uncertainly. I found myself recoiling from his comments but tried to find them helpful in anyway possible. I spent most of the thirty minutes watching the minutes click by, wishing I was at home working on the paper by myself. The lack of connection ruined the experience for me and left me feeling like I wasted my time. But it did make me realize how important your social circle is, from important people like family and friends to complete strangers you associate with for brief periods of time. Pick and choose. Find those immediate, subconscious and effortless attachments and stick by them. They'll give you more fulfillment in life.