From My Inbox: The Figure 8

A figure 8.

This is how a colleague in Toronto described the dynamic of how he and his partner interacted at parties. That is, they arrived together, then separated to wander off to talk to other people, connecting or crossing paths at the mid-point of their attendance at the party before separating (again) to continue conversations (or seek out new ones), before rounding out the evening by uniting, and departing together.

Listening to this social dynamic, another colleague quipped "when I attend an event with a date, it's more V shaped; we arrive together, talk to other people then leave separately".

Figure 8's (or V's), even Pear-shaped. Whether it's a single event, or connections built over a lifetime, our relationships have shapes. Shapes created by our unique social dynamics; the perceptions, expectations and effort we bring in that moment to the interaction - and then, how our bundle of social needs and abilities collides or synchronizes with someone else (as yes, they have their personal social dynamic baggage too). You are 1/2 of the communication / connection equation. All you can do is recognize the part you play in shaping the dynamic - and your agency in reshaping it too.

With that, some random 💩 to enhance your connections:

💡Loved, yet lonely: You might have the unconditional love of family and friends and yet feel deep loneliness. Can philosophy explain why? (Aeon)

💡Logical fallacies: Seven ways to spot a bad argument (BBC)

💡In ‘Dance, Dance Evolution,’ Grooving Is the Millennia-Old Key to Health and Community (Colossal)

💡Wonderbringers No. 79: a wee break from heavy conversations

💡ICYMI (my conversation with Women On IT, that is): Unlock Your Career Potential (YouTube)