Connection Culture

Acknowledgments

I grew up in a family of boys living in a neighborhood of boys. Our lives revolved around the rhythm of three seasons: baseball, basketball, and football. Like many boys, we were not all that emotionally or socially intelligent. What I learned about connection and the emotions that increase connection, such as love and affection, came primarily from my devoted mother, Dorothy Hufstedler. Mom, for your loving influence and example, I am immensely grateful.

As an adult, I got caught up in the pursuit of money, power, and status, and that drive increasingly crowded out relationships. It was only later in life that I learned (the hard way) that we are hardwired to connect. I thank God, my family, and friends for saving me from myself. ...