Connection is the Secret. The more time you spend having deeper conversations the happier you will be.
”…people who spend more of their day having deep discussions and less time engaging in small talk seem to be happier” – Matthias Mehl, psychologist University of Arizona.
Why is connection through conversation so important?
We need to find meaning in our lives.
We are social creatures and need to connect with other people.
Does your home set up hinder or support real conversation and connection with others?
Interiors Psychology identifies interpersonal distance and eye contact as the two most powerful factors in personal connection and bonding.
Arrange your home for connection. Do you eat your supper in front of the television, at your kitchen counter? Or do you sit down at a table with those you love most? Making eye contact with each other while sitting around a table is essential to creating and maintaining personal bonds. This is where conversation happens and sharing occurs. Support the powerful ritual of breaking bread together – sit around a table, not in front of the TV.
Is your living room or family room furniture spread out to fit the room, creating “shouting distance”? Move your furniture closer together is a simple and powerful way to support connections and encourage conversation. If your living room is large, borrow a tip from Upper East Side New York decorators: create two conversation or sitting areas in a room, instead of one disconnected sprawl of furniture. Illuminate your new sitting arrangements with some well placed lamps. Voila! – both your living room and you will have a new lease on life.
photo by Chip Griffin
Big space or small, get help arranging your home for better connection with your loved ones. Contact me today.