August
August
Connect wIth care
Building New Relationships
Newsletter
Newsletter
Building Relationships
Real connections grow from
simple things: time,
kindness, and honesty.
As August bridges summer’s ease and
school’s structure, it’s the perfect
moment to reflect on how small,
intentional acts of care like listening
deeply or checking in on a friend
strengthen our relationships. Even on
relaxing holidays, we crave real
connection. A shared laugh between
classes or a supportive check-in can
make all the difference, because feeling
valued starts when we show up for each
other. The best mental health boost? Be
someone who makes others feel seen.
A truly meaningful relationship goes
beyond convenience. It’s built on deep
emotional connection, mutual trust,
honest communication, and shared
growth. Unlike relationships based on
short term comfort, meaningful ones
involve vulnerability, empathy, and a
shared sense of purpose. Both people
support each other’s individuality while
growing together, resolving conflicts
respectfully, and appreciating each
other daily. It’s not just about being
together it’s about becoming better,
together.
S ta y I n g C o n n e c t e d I n a D I g I ta l , D I s t r a c t e d W o r l d
We’re more connected than ever, but
many of us still feel distant and unheard.
Constant scrolling, distractions, and
digital noise are affecting the quality of
our relationships. Here's how we can stay
truly connected:
Disconnect to Reconnect: Take regular
breaks from the internet to protect your
attention and make space for real-life
connection.
Be Fully Present: Put the phone away.
Listen fully. Undivided attention is a rare
and powerful way to show care.
Set Digital Boundaries: Decide when and
Connection isn't about being constantly how you want to engage online.
available; it's about being genuinely present.
Use digital tools wisely and protect time for Take Care of Yourself First: Do things
meaningful human moments. that refocus and recharge you like
reading, walking, or resting. A clear mind
If you are not fully present, then why helps build better connections.
even be there.
You can be sitting next to someone for a
Use Tech Intentionally: Use video calls to
whole day, lending them an ear, but if
your mind and heart are not engaged, connect deeply, apps to meet up, and
then the whole conversation accounts to groups to grow community, but don’t let
absolutely nothing. tech control your focus.
Emotional presence is not the same as
physical presence, it's giving full
emotional attention and empathetic
responses, creating a sense of
connection, safety, and understanding.
In a conversation what really makes the
difference is the quality of attention, not
merely behaving like you’re there.
Presence without engagement is nothing
more than an empty act.
Value of the month:
Value of the month:
Empathy
Empathy
Empathy means putting yourself in someone else's shoes, not just
understanding their words but truly feeling what they might be going
through. In everyday life, it shows up in small but powerful ways:
listening without interrupting, noticing when a friend is upset even if
they don’t say it, or showing kindness instead of judgment. It’s not
about fixing someone’s problems, it’s about being there with care,
patience, and openness. Empathy helps build stronger, more trusting
relationships and reminds people that they’re not alone.
Tips:
Tips: Practice active listening
Focus fully on what the other
Validate feelings
Acknowledge emotions with phrases
person is saying, don’t interrupt, like “That sounds tough I can see why
and resist the urge to jump in you’d feel that way,” showing
with solutions. acceptance without judgment.
Imagine their perspective Respect boundaries
Consciously put yourself in their Empathy doesn’t mean giving advice
shoes: “If I were in their position, or comparing, you can say “I hear
what might I feel or think?” you” without trying to fix things.
E d u c at I o n a l TO P I C :
Assertiveness
Asse rtivene ss
Assertiveness is the key to long-lasting and healthy
relationships, as it ensures respect for all, avoids
misunderstandings, and builds trust. By being
assertive, you ensure that people don’t walk all
over you, leaving your opinions and emotions
unexpressed. When people are assertive, they’re
more likely to listen, resolve conflicts calmly, and
understand each other better.
For example, calmly telling a friend when they’ve
upset you can prevent arguments and strengthen
your bond. Assertiveness creates a healthy balance
between standing up for yourself and caring for
others.
We interact differently with each person in our
lives, whether it is a friend, sibling, parent, or
classmate. In some relationships we are passive, in
others, more aggressive. One important way we
can communicate is by being assertive.
Assertiveness means speaking up for yourself
clearly and confidently, expressing your thoughts
openly, but respectfully, and standing your ground
without being passive or aggressive.
Har vard
Har vard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on
human happiness, shows that people who feel emotionally close to others are not
only happier but also healthier. These meaningful connections reduce stress,
improve emotional resilience, and protect against anxiety and depression. When
we feel seen, heard, and supported, our brains release chemicals like oxytocin
and serotonin, which help regulate mood and lower stress levels. Strong
relationships also give us a sense of belonging and safety, which are key to
emotional stability.
In short: meaningful relationships don’t just make life feel better, they
help us cope better.
Journal Prompts
Journal
[Link]
Prompts nearly-80-years-harvard-study-has-been-showing-
how-to-live-a-healthy-and-happy-life/
What does a meaningful relationship look like to you, C R E D I TS
and why does it matter?
When was the last time you felt genuinely connected Editorial
Editorial
to someone? What made that moment feel real? Aaryan 9I
What shared interests could help you start a real Daranidharan 10J
conversation with someone? Rahul 10J
How do you make sure there's balance, giving and Mubassira 10D
receiving in your connections? Asiyah 11B
What does "holding space" mean to you and how can
Syed Rayhan 12L
you try doing it for someone?
Graphics
Graphics
Kadhieja 12D
