I really resonated with this. Because weak ties have saved me. As an Attorney who’s always wanted to pursue Creative work, finding Substack has completely transformed my creative identity. I know zero creatives in real life, and my attempts to share creative work with colleagues have fallen on deaf ears. But, no matter, because I’ve found a plethora of wonderful weak ties here in Substack. So much so, they’re no longer “weak” in my mind but tethered to who I am…the friendships and connections I have made here on Substack allow me to savor true creative connections with others, give me a home to express my creativity, and allow me to be seen for who I truly am. The exchange of ideas and knowledge is always insightful and important — here and especially in our institutions of higher learning.
Awww...thank you so much, Marisa! I'm so glad it resonated. It's really cool to hear your story! I agree, Substack has become an amazing community--of initially "weak" (but entirely nourishing) ties that feel as if they are strengthening by the day. I'll hold your story and weave it into the fabric of magic we've got going here. 🩵
I love the weak ties! Following my heart, making friends along the way, has led to some beautiful opportunities, the best. Thanks, Wendy, the (untamed) science behind our lived experience is so powerful.
Right?!? It really does fill one (me) up. Yesterday, I hiked with my young friend--who's turned on and living out loud. She just returned from 3 weeks of travel for work and otherwise, and her tales of beautiful chance encounters--and the opportunities they brought--was magical. It led us both to acknowledge how living in the wonder is a powerful path. It's why we became fast friends several years ago.
I think that's right. I've received enough "Well, you can do that"s in my life to highlight the importance of lived experience. And, none of us are always in the flow. Perhaps the difference is, when you know what that feels like and the magic it brings, it remains a forever beacon.
I love love this piece. I love how you connect concepts from biology (mutualism, is that from biology?) with our every day life and what's happening in the world right now. You really have a unique way of making sense of these things and explaining it to us. Love it ❤️
Awww...thank you so much, Sophie! I'm so glad to hear that. As you know, we put these things out there and never know how they'll be received. Yes, mutualism is a concept in ecosystem ecology and biology. I really appreciate your support! ❤️
You know, reading this makes me think about how awkward small talk can sometimes be. I mean, how many times can we discuss the weather, right? But maybe that awkwardness is part of the point. Maybe pushing past the discomfort, making that little connection with the stranger in line, is a small act of courage. It’s like saying, "Hey, I see you. We're both here in this moment, sharing this experience." It’s a bit silly and maybe even a bit forced, but isn’t there a quiet beauty in that shared awkwardness? It’s a reminder that we’re all a bit clumsy in this whole "being human" thing, and that’s okay.
Yes, it can be awkward at times and we often use the generic, "How are you?" and it's similarly disingenuous response, "Fine", as social and emotional cover. Still, as often as not, it seems that these barriers dissolve fairly quickly when you can be present and attentive in the moment. There's absolutely a quiet beauty in the shared awkwardness--and at times, a new friend on the other end of it! Thanks for sharing!
Love this Wendy and yes true in my life as I have many weak ties now due to involvement with a community garden and a food Forest as well as climate groups. In my experience brings multiple possibilities for happiness, information exchange and opening eyes.
I love this concept, Wendy. Thank you so much for writing about it here.
On the road, what would probably be called weak ties for their ephemerality make up a large portion of my interactions, and I’m grateful for them.
I’ve spent some months now at my cousin’s house while preparing to head back out on the road this fall. And I’ve fallen in love with her sweet neighbors. An older man who hobbles and tears up easily and always prays for us. The woman across the street who recently lost her husband and often stops by with some treat, chocolate-covered almonds, a handful of tulips, and brings in packages if we’re away.
All these relationships are a pleasure. And I appreciate your call to develop these weak ties even further and to cherish them for all the value they add to our lives.
Awww...thank you, Holly! And, thank you for sharing these sweet little vignettes. It's a big part of why I love rolling around too--you never know who you're going meet around which bend. That's a big part of the magic in it all. Plus, yes, nourishing and cherishing connections of all sorts is as critical as ever right now. Enjoy your time with your present community! 🩵
I love this piece, Wendy! Thank you for the reminder that weak ties build stronger, more diverse communities in the human world as well as the rest of nature. I also really appreciate what you said in your response to Becca below (hi, Becca!): "living in the wonder is a powerful path." Yes!
Thank you, Julie! I do too. We need all the empathy and collective strength we can generate! The trick is to allow time and space to experience and honor these ties. Many are so busy hustling the day away, they may miss these opportunities, even as they are right in front of them.
Wow. Truly loved this piece, Dr. Wendy.
I really resonated with this. Because weak ties have saved me. As an Attorney who’s always wanted to pursue Creative work, finding Substack has completely transformed my creative identity. I know zero creatives in real life, and my attempts to share creative work with colleagues have fallen on deaf ears. But, no matter, because I’ve found a plethora of wonderful weak ties here in Substack. So much so, they’re no longer “weak” in my mind but tethered to who I am…the friendships and connections I have made here on Substack allow me to savor true creative connections with others, give me a home to express my creativity, and allow me to be seen for who I truly am. The exchange of ideas and knowledge is always insightful and important — here and especially in our institutions of higher learning.
Awww...thank you so much, Marisa! I'm so glad it resonated. It's really cool to hear your story! I agree, Substack has become an amazing community--of initially "weak" (but entirely nourishing) ties that feel as if they are strengthening by the day. I'll hold your story and weave it into the fabric of magic we've got going here. 🩵
I love the weak ties! Following my heart, making friends along the way, has led to some beautiful opportunities, the best. Thanks, Wendy, the (untamed) science behind our lived experience is so powerful.
Right?!? It really does fill one (me) up. Yesterday, I hiked with my young friend--who's turned on and living out loud. She just returned from 3 weeks of travel for work and otherwise, and her tales of beautiful chance encounters--and the opportunities they brought--was magical. It led us both to acknowledge how living in the wonder is a powerful path. It's why we became fast friends several years ago.
Terrific, really. Must be lived to be believed though, and I admit to not always being in the flow. Worth cultivating!
I think that's right. I've received enough "Well, you can do that"s in my life to highlight the importance of lived experience. And, none of us are always in the flow. Perhaps the difference is, when you know what that feels like and the magic it brings, it remains a forever beacon.
True that!
I love love this piece. I love how you connect concepts from biology (mutualism, is that from biology?) with our every day life and what's happening in the world right now. You really have a unique way of making sense of these things and explaining it to us. Love it ❤️
Awww...thank you so much, Sophie! I'm so glad to hear that. As you know, we put these things out there and never know how they'll be received. Yes, mutualism is a concept in ecosystem ecology and biology. I really appreciate your support! ❤️
You know, reading this makes me think about how awkward small talk can sometimes be. I mean, how many times can we discuss the weather, right? But maybe that awkwardness is part of the point. Maybe pushing past the discomfort, making that little connection with the stranger in line, is a small act of courage. It’s like saying, "Hey, I see you. We're both here in this moment, sharing this experience." It’s a bit silly and maybe even a bit forced, but isn’t there a quiet beauty in that shared awkwardness? It’s a reminder that we’re all a bit clumsy in this whole "being human" thing, and that’s okay.
Yes, it can be awkward at times and we often use the generic, "How are you?" and it's similarly disingenuous response, "Fine", as social and emotional cover. Still, as often as not, it seems that these barriers dissolve fairly quickly when you can be present and attentive in the moment. There's absolutely a quiet beauty in the shared awkwardness--and at times, a new friend on the other end of it! Thanks for sharing!
Weak ties appears to be counterintuitive yet functionally the actual key. Wow! Many thanks for this insight!
Thanks, Paul, a somewhat surprising finding it is!
Love this Wendy and yes true in my life as I have many weak ties now due to involvement with a community garden and a food Forest as well as climate groups. In my experience brings multiple possibilities for happiness, information exchange and opening eyes.
Thank you, Sally! Weak ties of the best kind—hands in the dirt together. How could that not make everyone happy?! Thank you for sharing.
I love this concept, Wendy. Thank you so much for writing about it here.
On the road, what would probably be called weak ties for their ephemerality make up a large portion of my interactions, and I’m grateful for them.
I’ve spent some months now at my cousin’s house while preparing to head back out on the road this fall. And I’ve fallen in love with her sweet neighbors. An older man who hobbles and tears up easily and always prays for us. The woman across the street who recently lost her husband and often stops by with some treat, chocolate-covered almonds, a handful of tulips, and brings in packages if we’re away.
All these relationships are a pleasure. And I appreciate your call to develop these weak ties even further and to cherish them for all the value they add to our lives.
Awww...thank you, Holly! And, thank you for sharing these sweet little vignettes. It's a big part of why I love rolling around too--you never know who you're going meet around which bend. That's a big part of the magic in it all. Plus, yes, nourishing and cherishing connections of all sorts is as critical as ever right now. Enjoy your time with your present community! 🩵
I love this piece, Wendy! Thank you for the reminder that weak ties build stronger, more diverse communities in the human world as well as the rest of nature. I also really appreciate what you said in your response to Becca below (hi, Becca!): "living in the wonder is a powerful path." Yes!
Awww...thank you, Susan! I appreciate the support and love that I've (re-)found you here! 🩵
Thank you, Julie! I do too. We need all the empathy and collective strength we can generate! The trick is to allow time and space to experience and honor these ties. Many are so busy hustling the day away, they may miss these opportunities, even as they are right in front of them.