There are plenty of uncertainties that can trigger our anxieties these days. Should I make a career change? Should I take the next step in that relationship? As weighty as they are, these questions pale in comparison to the invitation in your inbox announcing your upcoming high school reunion.

Did you just get heart palpitations? You’re not alone. It turns out that, on average, only about 40% of your classmates will attend your class reunion. While there’s a myriad of reasons why people don’t attend, the bottom line is that a majority of Americans are passing on an opportunity to make real connections.

You may now be wondering why a leadership coach and DEI expert is talking to you about your high school reunion. These traditional fall gatherings are only one example of how little time and effort we invest in real friendships. Beyond your Instafeed and LinkedIn network, healthy, face-to-face connections have been directly linked to lower levels of stress and depression. This means that those of us who make a habit of spending time with others are enjoying physical, mental, and emotional benefits that others who do not are missing out on.

Beyond the mental and physical benefits of healthy relationships, interpersonal connections are also vital to the success of those in leadership roles. As leaders, we often hear more about what we’re doing wrong than what we’re doing right. By developing a tribe you trust, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to surround yourself with people who can celebrate your accomplishments and affirm your hard work. In turn, you also get the chance to provide that same life-giving encouragement for someone else.

So whether it’s venturing back into that musty high school gymnasium or taking an hour to have coffee with a friend, prioritize connecting with people. Like many investments, it requires time and in some cases, a fair amount of risk. However, investing in healthy relationships will yield long-term rewards that absolutely make it a risk worth taking.

Want to learn more about the importance of real relationships?
Psychological Benefits of Friendship, WebMD
Why is connecting with other so important?, Thriveworks Counseling
Why Your Friends are More Important Than You Think, The Great Good Science Center at The University of California, Berkeley

And, just for fun…
20 Reasons Why You Should Go To Your High School Reunion, The Redhead Mom