When I read many of my favorite blogs these days, I hear writers talking about building relationships. True, meaningful relationships with the beautiful people that are close to your heart. I love this. This is something that I strive to do every day, and something that I love to write about.

However, I think a lot of us get caught in a rut when it comes to the how of building and strengthening relationships. It’s easy to convince yourself that relationship building happens in specific settings, with specific “props”, and specific environments.

This isn’t true at all. And we all know it. We just need to be reminded.

Relationships don’t always need to be nurtured with lattes at your favorite coffee shop, or even over an amazing meal at the dinner table.

Yes, these are important moments in relationship building. Relationships are augmented and deepened in these intimate instances when you sit face-to-face with some and eliminate the distractions.

But…

Relationships are strengthened and stabilized every day, when you simply choose to involve someone in the mundane things that simply happen.

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Here’s how to strengthen and stabilize your relationships in these mundane instances:

Invite someone to run errands with you. You’ll always have to go get groceries, pick up cleaning supplies, or a new ream of paper. Instead of going alone, invite someone with you.

Carpool to an event. Going somewhere? Have a friend along for the ride! Ride-sharing is not only an amazing opportunity for conversation, but it saves fuel and wear on the car!

Volunteer together. Take an afternoon with a close friend to go volunteer at a soup kitchen. Or build a fence for a struggling neighbor. Using your community to help others is one of the best ways to build relationships.

Co-work. If you’re like me, you often work from coffee shops or home. If you have a friend who also has things to get done, invite them to join you. I frequently co-work with my wonderful girlfriend. She’s actually across the table from me right now. We may not talk much, but the time together strengthens our relationship.

Never underestimate the power of togetherness and proximity as you build relationships. Sometimes the simplest of activities can be the best strengthener of friendship.

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