teambuilding

When it comes to what defines us as a species, our interconnectedness comes first in many people’s minds. We live in a hyperconnected society where you can talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime, within a few moments, provided the two people have an Internet connection. People on various apps, websites, and social media platforms can glimpse at someone’s life without traveling massive distances. Even escape rooms are a great reason to get together with those you haven’t seen or talked to much. Yet these days, it seems that more and more of us feel lonely and isolated. How is this possible in such an intertwined world?

The more potential choices you have, the smaller your joy becomes. For instance, someone with no dietary restrictions can look throughout the entire store. They may, however, be stricken with indecision and uncertainty about what to choose. They may have fewer options than someone with an allergy or dietary restriction. In contrast, this facilitates a more in-depth and intimate knowledge of the food they purchase.

In the same way, those of us who have Internet and social media know that we can have many “friends” or “followers,” but they don’t often translate to authentic, long-lasting relationships. This often leads to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and discontentedness because a part of us wonders why more of those people do not wish to pursue more of a relationship than just a number on your profile page. On the other hand, those with fewer followers but more deep, genuine relationships report a higher quality of life.

But what’s the secret?

That’s easy: togetherness! This can be as simple as a job and your fellow employees, but nowadays, it is more common that people rarely speak to their employees unless required. When I first started working at Cross Roads Escape Games, I would eat my lunch and isolate in the breakroom until one day, I wanted to change that. I stepped out of my comfort zone a little and engaged with my coworkers, bit by bit. Through small, intentional steps, I’m lucky to say that I’ve made a best friend. This will not happen for everyone, but any connection kindled carefully and purposefully will likely last a lifetime!

But what if you don’t know your interests and likes?

Try everything! Whether it be cooking, painting, singing, drawing, hiking, cosplaying, gaming, or exercising, there are many activities to involve yourself in! To find like-minded individuals, go online and look up clubs or hangouts where these happen. Some are only online, and that can work for a time, but there’s something special about physically being together. Escape rooms are an excellent way for you and your friends and family to be together physically, and you choose which one you want to do based on the room’s difficulty and theme.

In our technological, individualistic age, we have learned that we must find our own ways to entertain ourselves. But we are designed to be in a community, designed to be together. You can do great things with those you care about, and that happens together!