Connection isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s something we’re wired for.
In today’s post, we’re talking about why staying connected truly matters, how it impacts our mental and emotional health, and why it’s especially important for singles.
I’ll share my personal perspective as a single woman, how I intentionally stay connected across different areas of my life, and practical ways you can do the same — even when life feels busy, overwhelming, or lonely.
There have been seasons in my life where I felt incredibly connected — and others where I didn’t feel as connected until I slowed down enough to notice it. Staying connected isn’t something that just happens by accident. It’s something we have to choose, nurture, and even work at.
I met up with a friend I hadn’t seen in months and we were sharing what was going on in our lives. She was telling me about her husband, her kids, what she was planning to do for work.
I was telling her about different activities I had been to, a trip I took and about dating.
She said, “It sounds so lonely.”
I literally had to pause and think. I didn’t feel lonely at all. I felt like I have friends, family members, and others I interact with all the time.
It really is about our own perspective, what we are doing to increase our connection and the relationships we have.
Sure, there are moments when I do feel lonely or sad, but honestly, I don’t dwell on those moments. I feel the feelings and move on. I would never consider my life as ‘lonely.’ I intentionally build relationships and connection so I don’t feel lonely often.
Staying Connected: Why Connection Is What Keeps Us Going
Connection is what keeps us grounded. It reminds us that we’re not alone, that we matter, and that our presence has value. Especially as a single woman, connection plays a different role — because there isn’t a built-in partner at home filling that space.
That doesn’t mean something is missing. It just means connection needs to be more intentional and more diverse.
In my own life, staying connected looks like maintaining relationships across different circles:
- girlfriends I can be fully myself with
- guy friends who bring different perspectives
- family members who know my history
- people at church who share my faith
- online friends and business connections who understand entrepreneurship
Each of these connections serves a different purpose, and together, they create a full, supported life.
When I launched this blog, I posted the announcement on Facebook and sent text messages to different groups of friends and individual texts. I was stoked to launch my blog because I had been working so hard on it & wanted to share it with everyone I knew!
It was interesting because one group of friends I sent it to, no one replied. No, not one of them. Did I feel sad about it? I did and still do, if I’m being honest. But, luckily, that’s not my only group of friends.
Everyone else I sent it to was so excited for me! My friends on Facebook liked it & commented. It just goes to show we need connection in different areas.
Connection Looks Different for Singles
One thing I’ve learned is that as a single woman, I can’t rely on one relationship to meet every emotional or social need — and honestly, no one should. Instead, I build layers of connection.
Sometimes connection is deep conversations over dinner. Sometimes it’s a quick text that says, “I was thinking about you.” Sometimes it’s attending an event even when I’d rather stay home.
Just the other day I noticed on Facebook my friend’s father had passed away. She shared the news on her Facebook profile so I sent her a quick text letting her know I was sending prayers and love her way. She responded and was so grateful.
We all need connection when we are going through hard times, but also through every day life.
Connection doesn’t always look glamorous — but it’s powerful. It helps build our purpose and let’s others know we are here for them.
Staying Connected With Girlfriends (Different Sets for Different Seasons)
I’ve learned that not all friendships serve the same role — and that’s not a bad thing.
To name a few, I have:
- girlfriends I talk to weekly or daily
- friends I might only see monthly but pick up right where we left off
- friends for fun and laughter
- friends for deeper conversations and support
Staying connected here requires effort. Scheduling dinners. Planning walks. Hosting nights at home. Sending the first text. Group scripture study.
One thing I’ve noticed is that everyone is busy, and if no one plans anything, nothing happens. Waiting for someone else to initiate is often how connections fade.
Being intentional doesn’t mean being needy. It means valuing the relationship enough to protect it.
I have a friend who is great at staying connected. She is planning things in advance with all different people. She will go to dinner with some of previous mission companions. She will host a movie night for some different friends. She will plan a trip with someone else. She has so many friends because she puts in the effort to stay connected with a lot of different friends.
Staying Connected With Guy Friends
Guy friendships have been an important part of my life as well. They bring honesty, grounding, and sometimes a different way of seeing things. Staying connected here often looks simpler — checking in, grabbing a meal, or just having real conversations without overcomplicating things.
Healthy, respectful friendships across genders can be incredibly grounding, especially when they’re built on mutual respect and clear boundaries.
It’s nice to have a guy perspective on things and it’s nice to be taken out by my guy friends without any pressure.
I have a guy friend that I am good friends with and he helps me with a lot of house projects and other projects that my girlfriends just wouldn’t be quite as good at. It’s nice to have a guy to count on, especially being a single woman.
Staying Connected With Family
Family connection can be both comforting and complicated. But even when relationships aren’t perfect, staying connected matters.
Sometimes it’s a call. Sometimes it’s a visit. A lot of times, it’s a Marco Polo. Sometimes it’s choosing grace instead of distance.
Family reminds us where we come from — and staying connected, even imperfectly, often brings a sense of stability we don’t realize we need until it’s gone.
My dad is going through some health issues right now so my sisters and I have been sending quite a few Marco Polo’s to each other with the latest updates. And we will add in things that are going on in our own lives, it’s a convenient way to stay in touch and keep everyone updated at once.
Staying Connected Through Church
Church has been a huge source of connection for me. Not just spiritually, but socially and emotionally.
Being part of a faith filled community creates:
- consistency
- shared values / standards
- opportunities to serve
- natural connection points
I know every Sunday I will go to church – it is something that is very consistent in my life and I really like that.
I currently serve in my church as a Relief Society instructor (teaching the adult women) and this last time I taught, I just loved it. I chose a talk from one of the apostles and had such a great discussion with the class members.
We all felt very comfortable in sharing our thoughts and questions and building our faith together. There was one question a woman brought up and as soon as she asked it, there were multiple hands that went up wanting to help answer the question.
They gave great insight and were able to help answer the woman’s question (I think anyway, because the woman was nodding yes as people spoke).
I often leave church feeling lighter, more connected, seeing there are people out there that are in similar situations and that we are all working to become more Christlike. I am reminded that life is bigger than my own thoughts and worries.
Staying Connected Online and Through Business Communities
One of the most surprising forms of connection has come through online spaces and business relationships.
Connecting with other women/men who are building businesses, creating content, or walking similar paths has been incredibly validating. These are people who understand goals, discipline, uncertainty, and growth in a way not everyone does.
I joined a group coaching program about 10 years ago and met a woman who was also just getting her business started. We became ‘mastermind’ partners and did a weekly call with each other for 6 or 7 years and now we still talk once a month!
She lives in another state & I went to visit her & she came out here to visit me! You never know where your connections will come from. I am so grateful for her because she is the one I could share all my business wins (and losses) with and she fully understands them.
Sometimes connection isn’t proximity — it’s shared experience.
We Never Know What Someone Else Is Going Through
One thing I truly believe is this: we never know what someone else is carrying.
A quick message. A call. An invitation. A check-in.
We may never know if it made a difference — but we will know that we didn’t regret reaching out.
I’ve had moments where someone reached out to me at exactly the right time, without knowing how much I needed it. And I’ve tried to do the same for others. Of course, I could be better in this area, maybe we all could.
This example may not fit exactly, but I still like it.
Not that long ago, I needed a ride to church, last minute. I had a name pop into my head and I immediately texted her. She immediately replied saying that was perfect timing that she was just on her way to church and would swing by momentarily.
It was a simple experience, but one that stands out to me – I was glad I was already friends with this person and felt comfortable reaching out & she was there to help me!
Connection doesn’t require perfect timing or perfect words. It just requires intention.
Why Being Intentional About Connection Matters
Connection doesn’t thrive on autopilot.
Being intentional means:
- planning dinners
- scheduling walks
- hosting small gatherings
- attending events even when it feels easier to stay home
I don’t know the exact stats. I’ve read 20%-30% of people report feeling loneliness. Loneliness can lead to health risks like heart attacks, turning to smoking or other addictive substances. Depression can also set in leading to loss of life.
It is so important to stay connected.
It means choosing people over convenience.
And while it takes effort, the return is always worth it.
Serving Others Helps Us Forget Our Own Problems
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that when we focus on others — when we serve, show up, or simply listen — our own problems feel lighter.
Connection shifts perspective. It pulls us out of our heads and into something bigger.
Loneliness often grows when we isolate. Healing often begins when we connect.
I served in the family history library for a while. I saw so many lonely people come into the library. Some did want help with family history, but a lot just wanted someone to talk to. I was grateful to be of help and be a listening ear.
Even a simple hello or smile goes a long way. Think of different ways you could serve others and do one of those things today!
Connection Is What Keeps Us Going
At the end of the day, staying connected isn’t about filling time — it’s about building a life that feels supported, meaningful, purposeful and shared.
Especially as singles, connection isn’t optional. It’s essential.
And the beautiful thing is: connection is available to all of us — if we’re willing to be intentional enough to reach for it.
Before you go, you might love these posts:
- How I Run My Finances (Step-by-Step) — And How It Helped Me Become a Millionaire
- Why I Started “Thriving With Tiff”
- Loving Yourself as You Are (While Still Wanting to Grow)
