“We are connected.”

Sure, there are a lot of interpretations that come with the statement. As peers, friends and general bonds go? We’re connected because people are curious. People are passionate. Some people love being with other people, some people love data and systematic puzzles, some people love things. Almost all people love other people in their hearts, and understanding how all individual passions interplay is a lifelong adventure.

Often after a lengthy time with another – presence wherever it may be – we wonder if we have anything to say at a given moment. Of course this is true in long term romantic relationships and it can also be true in everyday friendships within physical space.

It is also true that sometimes we aren’t concerned about silence because we look forward to the quiet time: after all has been said and on the table, when all the “thank you” expressions have been accepted, we just want to enjoy time alongside one another.

And yes, apparently sometimes connections last even though the original pact or event is complete. Instead of wondering what we’ve left to say, really we just want to sit with that other and enjoy life. If we’re going to telepathically high-five while the other is in our presence, that other already has their hand up and ready. The entire situation and lasting connection is that effective and that legit.

It’s about as good as a dance with a friend, partner, parent, child or teammate. We may haven’t danced with them in awhile – maybe ever. But we know them and know the moves are less important than being with one another. Anyway, some of my best dances have been with people who are confident in their moves, no matter what the moves look like.

We are comfortable in a good way with others when we are connected.

We can sit silently and spend time together. We dance without expert moves. We dance without judgment or distrust from others. We spend time with the other because we are a good fit.

You know, a few guy friends in my life, way back when, used to advise me to “zip it” during occasional periods of talkative excitement. Others in my life have asked how I can handle alone and quiet time, reflecting that I must be so introverted to not converse. Well, most of us are a little of both – myself included.

Some suggest excessively quiet people may need practice in conversation. Others may contemplate suggesting materials and other prompts to help mask the chatter for overly talkative individuals. But of course these are not traits that necessarily need fixes.

If one can sit back and say “we are connected” about another, there will be talkative days and quiet days and neither will read too much into it. That’s a good thing.

So on those days when we meet with another and find ourselves at peace, forget dwelling on what to say, how much to say or measure how enjoyable it is. On those days when we meet with another, happy that we are connected, why not just take a hand and lead in a dance?

The dance, a conversation all its own, will communicate. And in case you were curious, it always enriches that great fit.

We are connected.

So come take my hand anytime.

Or high-five it, I suppose. I’ll be ready either way.

Maybe you’ll boldly surprise me by smoothly twirling that high-five into a classic, soulful sway.

This is what happens when our connection is that legit.