Be There in Tough Times

Tough times present unique opportunities for human bonding. When under stress, we come together for support, but the long-term benefits may be even more important.

Social connection is essential not only to business and personal success but also to longevity.

Author Brene Brown [3] puts it this way, “A deep sense of love and belonging is an irresistible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong. When those needs are not met, we don't function as we were meant to. We break. We fall apart. We numb. We ache. We hurt others. We get sick.”

If this doesn’t sound like the kind of life you want to live, take every opportunity to strengthen your bonds with others. One of the best times to do this is when you and others are faced with adversity.

You remember the people who stand by your side when you need them most. When both my parents were sick with cancer, I was impressed beyond belief with those people who reached out to support them.

Those who helped did not necessarily come from the ranks of my parents’ close friends, some of whom simply drifted away. The people who helped had big hearts and a healthy dose of character. The tough times brought out the best in them.

Be someone whom your friends, family, and colleagues can trust to be there when they need you the most.

[3] Emma M. Seppälä, Ph.D, “Connect To Thrive; Social Connection Improves Health, Well-Being, & Longevity,” Psychology Today, 26 August 2012.