A week with twenty-five strangers in Vermont revealed a common human need that transcended careers, backgrounds, and accomplishments: the desire for genuine connection and meaningful relationships.
On Monday night, twenty-five of us gathered in a room in central Vermont.
I knew three of them.
The plan was simple. We would go around the room, introduce ourselves and share a little about our lives.
At first, it sounded like every introduction you’ve ever heard.
“I’m Fred, I’m a teacher.”
“I’m an entrepreneur.”
“I work in finance.”
“I’m a filmmaker.”
But by about the third guy, something unexpected happened.
People stopped giving their resumes.
They started talking about challenges, struggles, insecurities, ways they’d fallen short as friends, husbands, fathers, sons.
Within minutes, the conversation had moved far beyond careers and accomplishments.
Things got real.
As the week went on, I spent time with non-profit leaders, filmmakers, hedge fund managers, school teachers, entrepreneurs, carpenters, musicians, marketing executives, and business owners.
From a distance, they all looked successful. And, I suppose, we were.
But underneath the different backgrounds, we shared another bond.
We wanted connection.
Not networking.
Not more followers.
Not another business card.
Connection.
The chance to be known and understood by other people.
And the more honest people became, the more everyone seemed to relax.
Maybe that’s because many of us are carrying the same burdens while assuming we’re the only ones.
We think we’re the only one struggling.
The only one worried.
The only one uncertain.
Then someone shares their story, and we realize we’re not nearly as alone as we thought.
“Wait. You, too?”
Human beings were designed for relationship.
Not simply to be around people, but to know and be known by them.
The older I get, the more convinced I become that one of the greatest gifts we can offer another person is our presence. To listen. To ask a question. To share a meal. To have a conversation that moves beyond the surface.
Because beneath our titles, accomplishments, and carefully managed appearances, many of us are looking for the same thing.
To belong.
To matter.
To connect.
Who in your life needs more than a text message?
Who needs a phone call?
A cup of coffee?
An honest conversation?
Because after a week in Vermont, I’m more convinced than ever that most people aren’t looking for more information.
They’re looking for connection.
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