Decoding The Human Connection 🇬🇭

Openspace crowned off 2024 with 'Festival of Conversations' on the 13th of December, 2024. This comprised of three separate conversations; 'Friendships for GrownUps', 'Families. On Life Support' & 'Decoding the Human Connection'.

Guests at the event

We started off with 'Friendships for GrownUps' & 'Familes. On Life Support' simultaneously.

Friendships for Grown Ups

Friendships for Grown Ups was a lighthearted yet honest conversation exploring the complexities of maintaining meaningful friendships in adulthood. The event created a space for participants to share their experiences and reflect on the evolving dynamics of friendship.

The conversation began with an icebreaker, where attendees shared challenges like losing touch due to life changes, feeling like they’re always initiating contact, or struggling to make new friends after 30. Moderators set the tone by discussing their personal perspectives on friendship and the guiding principles they live by.

The deep dive discussion focused on:

1. The Effort Factor: Examining why adult friendships often feel effort-intensive and whether this is due to life’s demands or personal priorities.

2. Circumstantial Bonds vs. Intentional Friendships: Transitioning relationships formed through shared circumstances—like work or school—into deeper, more intentional connections.

3. Friendships & Life Stages: Understanding how friendships can adapt to milestones like marriage, parenthood, or career shifts.

4. Opposite-Sex Dynamics: Exploring the complexities of opposite-sex friendships, especially when romantic relationships are involved.

   
   

The event concluded with participants sharing actionable insights on boundaries and expectations that could lead to healthier, more fulfilling friendships. Friendships for Grown Ups provided a thoughtful and engaging forum to address the joys and challenges of navigating adult relationships.

Moderators, Estelle(left) and Loren(right)

Families. On Life Support.

Families. On Life Support. was a deeply reflective and vulnerable discussion on modern family dynamics and challenges. With moments of levity to ease the tension, the conversation provided a safe space for participants to unpack the complexities of family relationships.

The session began with an icebreaker, where attendees shared relatable experiences, such as feeling like strangers at family gatherings, navigating guilt-tripping obligations, and struggling to address painful issues with family members. Moderators set the tone by sharing their personal approaches to tackling family dysfunction.

The deep dive discussion explored:

1. Calling Out Dysfunction: Why addressing family dysfunction is often difficult due to cultural, generational, or fear-based factors.

2. Role of African Parents: Understanding why vulnerability and admitting fault are challenging for African parents, and how to foster open communication.

3. Fractured Sibling Bonds: Examining why sibling relationships sometimes deteriorate in adulthood and discussing ways to reconnect.

4. Reviving Families: Practical steps for initiating meaningful conversations to mend broken family ties and address unresolved issues.

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The event concluded with participants reflecting on the “courageous conversations” they need to have with their families, emphasizing the importance of honesty and vulnerability. Families. On Life Support. encouraged attendees to confront difficult truths and inspired actionable steps to heal and strengthen familial bonds.

Families. On Life Support.

Decoding the Human Connection

Decoding the Human Connection was a playful yet insightful exploration of the science and complexities behind how humans connect. The conversation provided an engaging and thought-provoking space to reflect on our relationships and the nature of connection.

The session began with a lighthearted icebreaker, where attendees identified with relatable scenarios, such as overthinking relationships, skepticism about new connections, and navigating toxic traits in others. Moderators shared personal anecdotes to set the stage for a lively yet introspective discussion.

The deep dive conversation explored:

• The Nature of Connection: What defines human connection, why we crave it, and the science behind "social pain."

• Meaningful Connections: When connections require intentional effort, and whether they are only valuable if they last long-term.

• Toxic vs. Healthy Relationships: How to identify when we are chasing a "high" or holding back from truly connecting.

• The Pursuit of Connection: Is the desire for genuine connection fading in modern society?

  
  

The event concluded with reflections on how to foster self-awareness in forming connections, manage toxic dynamics, and build meaningful relationships moving forward. Decoding the Human Connection inspired attendees to rethink their approach to connection, leaving them with actionable insights to navigate their relational worlds.

Guest speaking at the event

Credits: Euriel Adjokatcher