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Here’s a Guide for How to Build an Emotional Connection Figuring out how to build an emotional connection with a friend or family member can feel impossible. It’s the small lonely moments that add up that prompt these challenging feelings of disconnect. Disconnect feels like showing someone your favorite movie and they’re not paying attention. It feels like sharing a story and no one listening, and it feels like opening an empty mailbox during Christmastime. Fortunately, psychological experts offer insight and tips for building an emotional connection with your loved ones. What is emotional connection? An emotional connection is a special bond built between people with intention, trust, and vulnerability. These three contributions set the scene for a natural intimacy to grow. According to Calm, an emotional connection is not just about sharing your life however, “it’s about feeling close, valued, and cared for by the other person.” For example, it feels like watching your favorite movie with your crush, looking over, and seeing they’re actually watching the film and not on their phone. Why is an emotional connection important? There are many reasons why an emotional connection is important. Most importantly, is the fact that an emotional connection adds value to your life. A meaningful connection is beneficial to our mental wellness thus leading to a life of safety, security, and support. Likewise, when we don’t feel safe or heard, we create superficial relationships. “When we feel safe to open up, we foster genuine care for each other's needs, leading to happiness and long-term emotional intimacy,” said psychotherapist Ilene S. Cohen at PsychologyToday. Therefore, creating a strong emotional connection and holding the relationship together. 5 signs of emotional connection Firstly, access the status of the relationships you care about. Do you feel confident in these relationships? How does the other person feel? Is there room for growth? Look for the following five signs of an emotional connection to gauge where your connection is strong. Open communication Building an open channel of communication is crucial for an emotional connection’s foundation. Open channels allow space for feeling, vulnerability, and limitless potential for a genuine bond. Vulnerability Look out for moments of vulnerability between yourself and loved ones. Whether you’re sharing your feelings or sharing secrets in your open channel of communication, when you let yourself be vulnerable in the relationship - it reinforces an emotional connection. Verbal and nonverbal cues Additionally, you might practice vulnerability but being direct can be just as hard. That’s why when there’s an emotional bond, you’ll be able to recognize subtle communication from your partner like recognizing they’re hungry from their attitude, the meaning of subconscious facial expressions, and body language. “Bid” exchanges Contemporary psychologist Dr. John Gottman conducted research and discovered strong couples exchange small attempts to connect such as support and affection. These acts are called “bids.” “These interactions can be verbal or nonverbal. A person may be aware or unaware of the use of a bid,” said Psychologist Angela Bisignano at GoodTherapy, which in the end, causes an emotional disconnect. Some “bid” examples include sharing a smile, turning towards each other, or giving a compliment. Silence In contrast to what most people might think, silence is a positive sign of a strong emotional connection. If you’re able to sit in silence and feel safe and at peace with your loved ones, consider it an emotional connection. So, keep these signs in mind when evaluating your emotional bond with someone. Your emotional connection is probably stronger than you think! How to build emotional connections in relationships Luckily, there are ways you can build towards an emotional connection if you’re pining over someone or the bond needs maintenance. Turn towards Dr. Gottman refers to body language as a crucial “bid” in building a connection. More specifically, when couples turn toward each other. This simple act is an effective, positive, and subtle exchange helping couples build emotional intimacy. Offer “bids” Remember to offer “bids” to your loved one daily. “Bids” are more than just turning towards each other. Vocalize your feelings to your partner by opening up the communication. Don’t just hear what your partner is saying, listen to them. Even sending a card in the mail will do the trick. Be intentional Building an emotional connection is not an easy feat. Though it is a worthwhile one. That's why it’s important to be intentional. Being intentional looks like setting aside time to discuss your relationship, checking in, and being honest. One tactful way to build an emotional bond is by using the acronym ARE. Psychologist and primary developer of Emotionally Focused Therapy, Dr. Sue Johnson, wrote of three questions that help build an emotional connection. ARE stands for accessibility, responsiveness, and engagement. Accessibility Touchbase with your loved one by asking, “Can I reach you?” A question like this opens the channel of communication mentioned before. Are you willing to reflect on your own feelings and their influence on others? Are you up to listening to your partner share the same? Responsiveness Dr. Johnson also prompts the question, “Can I rely on you to respond to me emotionally?” This question offers the opportunity to make space for your partner’s emotions, vulnerabilities, and needs. How are these factors contributing to your well being in the relationship, are you aware of how you can support your partner? Engagement “Do I know you value me and stay close?” Asking this question helps you be emotionally present in the emotional connection you’re trying to build. Also consider if your partner is emotionally present for you as well. Practice vulnerability Vulnerability is crucial for a strong bond. If “bids” and intentions were seeds then consider acts of vulnerability the sunlight and water the seeds need to grow. Show that you’re serious about the relationship you’re working on by sharing your strengths and weaknesses. This invites and encourages your partner to be vulnerable too. Share your appreciation One of the best types of bids towards your loved one is by sharing your appreciation. At least, it’s Postable’s favorite. An easy way to show your appreciation is by sending a card in the mail. We can help with that. First, visit Postable to pick out a card whether it’s a “Thinking of You” card or an annual Christmas card. Secondly, write your thoughtful thanks on the card. Lastly, we address, print, and send out your thoughts of appreciation so you can continue building your emotional connections. Learning how to build an emotional connection can take time. Though if you do it right, you’ll invest in something worthwhile both emotionally and logistically. Always begin by evaluating your situation and then implement the guidance from professionals like Dr. Gottman, Dr. Johnson, and the team at Calm. You can even rely on the team at Postable to help you create strong emotional bonds. No matter how you do it, building an emotional connection with someone special is beneficial to your well being, your partner’s mental health, and your life together.

How to Build an Emotional Connection in Your Relationships

By Lindsey B   •  

Figuring out how to build an emotional connection with a friend or family member can feel impossible. It’s the small lonely moments that add up that prompt these challenging feelings of disconnect. 

Need to send Christmas Cards and want them mailed for you? Send them right now in minutes. Postable will print, address, and mail them for you.

Show me the cards!

Disconnect feels like showing someone your favorite movie and they’re not paying attention. It feels like sharing a story and no one listening, and it feels like opening an empty mailbox during Christmastime. Fortunately, psychology experts offer insight and tips for building an emotional connection with your loved ones. 

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36 Timeless Christmas Quotes: What To Write In A Holiday Card

By Jesse from Postable   •  

Searching for the perfect Christmas quotes to ignite your holiday spirit? Whether you’re designing a heartfelt holiday card or looking to sprinkle some festive cheer across your social media, our handpicked collection of timeless Christmas quotes has got you covered. At Postable, we’re all about making holiday cards effortless—and fun. So, grab a mug of cocoa and dive into these gems that will add just the right touch to your holiday greetings.

christmas card

Need to send Christmas Cards and want them mailed for you? Send them right now in minutes. Postable will print, address, and mail them for you.

Show me the cards!
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What to Write in a Baby Shower Thank You Card

By Lindsey B   •  

Stumped on what to write in a baby shower thank you card? Baby showers are a blast! Between the adorable gifts, heartfelt wishes, and those hilariously awkward baby games, there’s a lot to be thankful for. When it comes time to send out your thank you cards, why not add a little humor to the mix?

When it comes time to send out your thank you cards, let Postable make it effortless for you. With Postable, you simply type your heartfelt message, and we handle the rest. We print, address, and mail your cards, ensuring they look completely handwritten and personal. This way, you can focus on crafting the perfect, humorous thank you message without worrying about the hassle of mailing them yourself. Now, let’s dive into how to write a fun and memorable baby shower thank you card.

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What Makes Postable’s Address Book So Easy to Use?

By Regina P   •   10 Comments

Man and woman sitting in street cafe with laptopThe rumors are true. Postable’s free online address book really is THAT great. In the age of all-things-digital, having an online address book can come in real handy. Think you’ll never need someone’s physical mailing address? Think again. How will you send that personal birthday card or send out those thank you notes for your kid’s latest birthday party. Surely you don’t think sending a quick text message on your mom’s birthday is going to cut it? Or think posting a giant ‘Thank you’ on your relative’s Facebook walls is sufficient? Personal birthday and thank you cards are kind of a must. Sending snail mail is all part of being an adult, but collecting and organizing mailing addresses doesn’t have to suck. On that note, sending snail mail can be as easy as sending an email with Postable. Just pick a card, write your message, choose your recipient from your handy free online address book and click send. Postable does the rest. Yes. It’s that easy. Continue reading

How to Postable: Adding Blank Cards to Your Cart

By Regina P   •  

You’ve created the perfect card. You’ve written a message or two (or three) in said card to get mailed directly to the recipients. You’ve made it all the way to checkout when you realize just how beautiful this card is… You must have a blank copy for yourself (maybe even 10). How To PostableYou get the picture, you may find yourself in the cart yearning for a blank version of the card you just created. OR you may want to send yourself blank cards to begin with. Not a problem. Checkout the mini-tutorial below to find out just where to click to make this happen. Continue reading

How to Postable: Ordering a Box of Cards

By Regina P   •   4 Comments

Everyone knows that Postable makes sending snail mail as easy as email, but did you know we can also mail you a box of cards? Sure, we print, address and mail the cards out for you, but if you’re feeling crafty and want to write the cards yourself or place an extra photo inside we’ll mail you a box. You can choose to have the envelopes addressed or not and we can even mail you a box of cards with messages already inside. Whatever you fancy, we got you covered. HowTo

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