Weak Ties
Finding employment, a new relationship, business opportunity, even restaurant reservations, sometimes boils down to who you know, not what you do. All of us have experienced some form of this, where we are presented with an opportunity simply because of a connection that otherwise would have been missed.
This can be positive and reinforce relationships, and it can also cause stress when panic sets in that we do not have the “right” networks or enough access to contacts. Close friendships and direct associations, “strong ties” are certainly helpful, but not mandatory. Surprisingly, it is our “weak-ties,” people we know peripherally, through friends-of-friends, or distantly through something in common are the most important in life.
In a small community it helps to be tight-knit, and it may be hard to imagine that wider circles of acquaintances would offer such benefits. Ironically, closer, “strong ties” may be a hinderance, as everyone knows the same people and places, is likely hearing the same news simultaneously, and has well-known interpersonal similarities. “Weak ties” promote a more diverse portfolio of groups of people and allow for greater availability of varied information.
While some may feel hesitant to lean into these relationships or not want to vouch for something or someone they do not know well, they will miss the keys to the kingdom. We will have more achievements and luck by maintaining these weak ties and not underestimating their importance. It is also healthier and allows for more growth when we put effort into both or strong and weak ties. One without the other is also incomplete and makes for a less well-rounded person, offering less life-experience. Luckily the east end has both, the comfort of the closer community and the influx of varied visitors that are less well-known. Keeping all relationships strong will lead to more success and happier well-being.
