Five invitations to connection you should accept this summer

We all know the feeling - you get that text, the call to go out, a DM from a friend on Facebook. And instead of leaning in, your instinct is to lean out. You're tired, unsure, or “not in the mood.” But what if this summer, which is right around the corner, you said yes anyway?

That was me last summer. Summer has consistently been the busiest time workwise for me (and in the fall) and I never considered what I would be doing other than working and celebrating some birthdays and Father's Day in June. Even the July 4th holiday was always a nothing burger for me. I know, cue the violins. I would end up at the end of August, looking pale, feeling exhausted and being envious of seeing everyone's fun summer photos on social media.

But last summer, I had a plan. I was going to be more intentional with my social health.

Because I've learned personally that human connection isn’t just nice, it’s vital.

And often, the moments we often skip are the ones that fill us up the most. Some activities I did last summer included:

• Meeting up with a new friend I made in a Facebook friend group to see a movie to kick off the Fourth of July weekend.

• Planning a brunch at my house for a few girlfriends who were former coworkers to come over Fourth of July weekend.

• Inviting a close friend who recently lost a family member and her husband over for casual impromptu dinner with another close friend and her husband to comfort her during this time of grieving.

• Visiting a close friend’s new house after work to help her with her decor even though my schedule was uber busy.

  
  

It would have been so easy to just say no to these invitations of connection, but we all felt better afterward and felt our time was well spent. It gave us all a joy boost!

Here are 5 invitations to connect that are worth saying yes to this upcoming summer season:

1. The “just come hang” invite

   
   

   It’s not a fancy dinner or a big event - it’s simply someone who wants to be with you. Say yes. These low-pressure moments are where real connection lives.

1. The spontaneous walk or coffee meetup

   
   

   You might be knee-deep in a to-do list, but 30 minutes of face-to-face time with a friend or group of friends could lift your energy more than anything on that list.

   
   

2. The group gathering you feel nervous about

   
   

   Yes, it’s easier to stay home. But saying yes—even just for a bit—helps grow your confidence and keeps you part of the social fabric.

   
   

3. The friend you haven’t seen in ages

   
   

   When someone reaches out, even if it’s been a while, accept it as a gift. Reconnecting often feels like picking up right where you left off.

   
   

4. The invitation you usually decline

   
   

   Maybe it’s trivia night, a hike, or dancing. Try saying yes just once. You might surprise yourself—and have a great story to tell.

   
   

Saying yes isn’t about overcommitting or ignoring your needs.

It’s about creating space for connection, joy, and the unexpected.

So, let this upcoming summer be your summer of yes to invitations of connection—not just to others, but to the life-giving power of presence.

Want more ways to grow your connections and feel more connected, confident, and fulfilled? Grab my guidebook, Your Social Connection, on Amazon and explore more blogs at cherknebel.com/blog. You can also download my free Connection level ebook here.