As awe-inspiring as Artificial Intelligence is, it will never take the place of human connection. We are hardwired to be with other people. We want this in our casual conversations, too. Ask yourself, when contacting customer service, would you rather talk to a chat bot or a real person?

All of us have a thousand acquaintances. But how do you move from the surface to knowing others at a deeper, more meaningful level? Here’s how: drop your guard. Be open with others while maintaining an open mind to their hopes, dreams and beliefs.

When we are unguarded it encourages others to lower their guard. Let the conversation flow. Listen well. Put your heart into it. People are moved when you connect with their heart. This is the moment you see the real person.

You don’t need a big circle of friends. But you do need some. Be willing to open up to others. Yes, it involves a little risk that they might not like you or accept you. That’s perfectly fine. Keep working on yourself and the right people will appear…