The Prons And Cons of Meeting New People

 

Arthur Poulin 

Meeting new people can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be daunting for some individuals. In one way or another the people we meet have a role they play in our lives and that, is a fact.

Although, research suggests that engaging in social interaction with new people can have numerous benefits for one's mental and emotional well-being. However, we ought to be wise about it too. While we build relationship as God allows us to be fruitful and multiply, we ought to implore wisdom in all our dealings.

What Does Meeting New People Do For You?

Expands Social Network 

While meeting new people can expand one's social network, which can lead to new opportunities and connections. We also need to work on maintaining this relationship, in terms of expressing good ethics and behavioral etiquettes as well as effective communication since that's what literally glues all kind of relationships. 

A personal relationship with God is paramount in a believers' life and talking —prayering to God every day is one way to expand our relationship with Him.

Enhances Cultural Understanding

I believe we all are of different cultures and backgrounds , so meeting new people help you broaden your understanding of the world and enhance your cultural intelligence—which make you have empathy—that means your relation with people will be easier and not judgemental —there's an increase in your emotional intelligence. Research has shown that intercultural communication can foster empathy and tolerance, which are essential for building harmonious relationships (Gudykunst & Ting-Toomey, 1988). 

This, successfully help break down stereotypes and prejudices, leading to a more inclusive and diverse society. So, there's always a reason for the diversity, it's not to create a distinct difference in humanity but to create avenues for conformity and that, is implied in a good sense.

Increases Creativity and Innovation

Collaborating with people from different backgrounds and industries can also stimulate creativity and innovation. When we connect with people on that level we work on our talent—remember! the parable of the talents in the Bible, it's all about developing our gifts and not burying them—Its important to honour God with our talents by developing, working on it and blessing others with it. 

A study published in the Journal of Creative Behavior found that individuals who engaged in diverse social interactions were more likely to generate creative ideas (Kim & Lee, 2015). This is because exposure to different perspectives and ways of thinking can inspire new ideas and approaches.

While we do this, let's try to emulate good behavior and filter the bad ones we notice from people we work closely with—especially since the bible says—this is paraphrased as doing away with bad company because bad company corrupts good manners.

Improves Communication Skills

Basically, I am more of an introvert than I care to admit, so meeting new people for me was then, a stress. 

Meeting new people requires effective communication skills, and I certainly lacked that even when I knew it can be improved through practice. 

However, since I needed some opportunities to work out for me and I realized they all have to work based on my communication skills I knew I needed to put in the work. I'm not yet that communication guru but I will say I can hold the end of any conservation, come what may—with Christ as my muscle, I can talk like a storm!😎

To add to this, research has shown that individuals who engage in frequent social interaction tend to have better communication skills and are more likely to adapt their communication style to different situations (Galinsky et al., 2006). This can lead to more successful interactions and a higher level of confidence in social situations.

Meeting new people can have numerous benefits for our social, emotional, and professional well-being. From expanding our social network to enhancing cultural understanding, increasing creativity and innovation, improving communication skills, and enhancing personal growth. However it is wise to tread carefully with wisdom and direction from the Holy Spirit when it comes to dealing with people as well as accepting offers from people. Why? you ask, because you don't know the future, you are not foreknowing. 

We can barely see the end of our nose.

I believe the choice made in our yesterday play a remarkable impact in our future hence the warning. Esau's choice on that the day made him miss his birthright. A well meaning government worker made a choice to accept a well meaning offer many years ago but it cost him a future promotion.

So, it's simple, why not trust in the one true God, who knows the beginning from the end. He is foreknowing and holds tomorrow.

Why not trust in Him today!

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Psalm 32:8 KJV