Building Friendships for Dyslexic Professionals

A challenge faced by some dyslexic professionals which is rarely addressed is the difficulty in forming and maintaining social connections.

If this is you, keep reading below on how you can create more meaningful friendships.

The Foundation of Childhood Friendships

Think back to your childhood. Whether it was summer camp, elementary school, or just hanging out in the neighborhood, there was always a common factor: constant proximity to peers.

This regular interaction made forming friendships almost effortless. As dyslexic professionals, reflecting on these simpler times can remind us of the ease that proximity brings to building connections.

Navigating Adulthood’s Social Landscape

As we grow older, life tends to get more complicated. Many of us isolate ourselves with significant others or become deeply involved with our children, making it harder to form new friendships. Even in relationships, loneliness can creep in, highlighting the need for friendships beyond our immediate family.

It's Not Your Fault

If you're struggling to make friends, take a moment to breathe and relax. It's not your fault, and you're not broken. The challenges you face are common and can be overcome with the right approach.

The Power of Online Friendships

In the past few years, I've met incredible people online. Through interest groups and heart-centered communities, I've built friendships and trust without ever meeting these individuals in person. This experience underscores the power of proximity, even in a virtual space. As a LEX professionals, you can leverage online communities to find support and companionship.

The Mere Exposure Effect

There’s a psychological principle called the mere exposure effect. It suggests that the more we are exposed to something or someone, the more we tend to like it. Think about how advertising works; repeated exposure leads to familiarity and preference. Similarly, regular interaction with potential friends builds familiarity and trust.

Building Trust Takes Time

Trust and camaraderie aren’t built overnight. Just like mastering a new skill at work, forming strong friendships requires consistent effort and time. Give yourself grace as you embark on creating a solid foundation of trust with new people. 

Proactive Effort is Key

You need to be proactive. Regularly attend social events, engage with others, and show genuine interest. Remember, building friendships is an ongoing process that requires nurturing.

Discover Meetup.com

One fantastic resource for building friendships is Meetup.com. With over 30 million users, 260,000 groups, and presence in 180 countries as of 2022, there’s likely a meetup near you. Whether your interests lie in sports, hobbies, professional networking, or social activities, Meetup.com provides countless opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.

START! 

Don’t let isolation hold you back - break out of the bubble baby!

You are worth it!