Be “Interested”- Secret To Connecting

During a recent family wedding in India, I encouraged my kids to connect with our extended family members, most of whom we hadn’t seen in many years. Despite my urging, my children felt hesitant and awkward about taking the initiative to connect.

At the same event, I met many family members, mainly from my wife’s side, for the first time. However, I felt at ease engaging with and connecting with all of them. My kids were curious about how I could connect with so many people of different age groups so quickly as if I knew them from before.

I shared a simple secret with them: the key is to focus on others. Instead of trying to be the most interesting person, try to be the most “interested” one. Be curious, ask them about what they do, and let them share. People love talking about themselves, especially when they sense that you’re genuinely interested.

When you’re genuinely “interested” in others, they naturally like you. That’s the key to making meaningful connections.