Less Loneliness. More Happiness. Here’s How.
Steps to Reduce Loneliness
- Take time each day to reach out to a friend or family member.
- Minimize distractions by putting down your phone. Make conversations meaningful.
- You have a lot to offer. Volunteering to help a friend, family member, local charity or civic organization can help build quality relationships and connect with new friends.
- Be responsive and supportive, and practice gratitude with others. They are likely to reciprocate.
- Engage with people of different backgrounds to expand your world.
- Reduce or eliminate things from your life that lead to feelings of disconnection, like excessive social media use and unhealthy relationships.
- Actively look to build or strengthen connections as you interact with others. Ask yourself “How might kindness change this situation?” Or “How can I help?”
- When struggling with feelings of loneliness, seek help from family, friends, health care providers or the 988 crisis line.
The Power of Pets
A pet can be your “social sidekick.” According to PAWS (Pets and Wellbeing Study), 54% of respondents say their pet has had a positive impact on their social life, helping spark conversations, connections and even new friendships. Plus, 71% of pet owners say they are more likely to get outside.
Join In!
A great way to build connections is to share experiences with people who have similar interests. In Franklin and Williamson County, there are countless opportunities to join clubs, sports leagues, educational classes, churches and community groups. Here’s just a sample.
Adult Sports Leagues & Programs
Be part of a team! Williamson County Parks & Recreation offers basketball, volleyball, tennis, kickball, pickleball and more.
Group Fitness
From group training to aqua fitness, Williamson County Parks & Recreation gives you opportunities to keep in shape and make friends at the same time.
Running/Walking
Running or walking is always better when you do it with others. The Franklin Run Club and Franklin Roadrunners offer events for all levels and even fun social opportunities
Art
Meet and learn from fellow artists at classes offered by Williamson County Parks & Recreation, Firstlight Art and Hawaii Fluid Art Franklin. There are even paint-and-sip experiences at Pinot’s Palette and Wine & Design.
Music, Dance, Theater
Sing and play together! When it comes to music, Williamson County Parks & Recreation offers something for everyone, including music classes, community band, swing band and chorus. Plus National Dance Clubs and The Actor’s School offer programs for any age.
Book Clubs
Nothing sparks conversation like a good book. The Williamson County Public Library system has book clubs in Bethesda, College Grove, Fairview, Franklin and Nolensville
Gardening
Williamson County Public Library offers classes for gardening enthusiasts of all experience levels.
Cooking Classes
Learn to cook and meet other budding chefs through classes at Black Diamond Culinary and Italy From Scratch.
Volunteer Opportunities
Make friends and give back at the same time! Here’s a great list of volunteer opportunities to get started. You’re sure to find something that fits your passion!
Churches
The wide range of churches in the area give you a chance to connect with people in the pews, on a committee or volunteering in the community.
Just for Seniors
Programs offered by Williamson County Parks and Recreation, the Senior Community Service Employment Program and Fifth Forward include fitness classes, arts and crafts, job training and social and therapeutic activities.
More Fun Ways to Connect
Happy to Chat Benches
Looking for a low-pressure way to talk with new people? Find one of x Happy to Chat benches located [where] in Franklin.
Each bench has a permanently engraved message that says:
The “Happy to Chat” Bench
Sit solo if you’re up to talk.
Passing by? Join them for a chat!
It’s a great way for two people who don’t know each other engage in conversation.
Use it for a spontaneous meeting or a planned destination for social connection.
Folx Table: Make Connections Over a Meal
Folx Table takes a unique and easy approach to bringing people together. Guests are seated in groups of 4-6 for dinner in a local restaurant and matched with each other to make conversation flow easily. It even includes a game that helps guests move past small talk, balance participation and really get to know each other.
While guests cover the cost for their meal, Franklin Connects will cover the Folx Table participation fee for the first 50 guests who sign up! More details here.
Coming Soon: Franklin Connects Club Fair!
The fair will bring together representatives of local clubs and organizations in one place so you can meet members and find opportunities to connect with people with common interests. More details to come!