Good communication skills are important part of understanding others and being understood. Socially well individuals are respectful and authentic with others, generously sharing their thoughts, stories and feelings and noticing when it’s better to listen than to speak.

Seeking opportunities to connect with others is a means to maintain and create relationships, and an indication of ease and comfort in social situations. Whether through social networking sites, at social gatherings among friends and family, or over the phone, socially well individuals are active participants in their relationships.

Developing healthy attachments as opposed to unhealthy attachments is an important differentiation to make when discussing social wellness. Healthy attachments are characterized by mutual respect, equal give and take, and the overall positive influence the attachment has on the lives of those involved in the relationship.

Coping with unhealthy relationships can be just as important as maintaining good relationships. Socially well individuals can recognize when a relationship is harmful to them and is able to part from negative relationships (or, if a total separation isn’t possible insert a fair amount of distance between themselves and the other person).

Respecting others assists in forming authentic relationships based on openness, trust, and understanding. Socially well individuals treat all connections courteously and openly, and do not pass judgment on others based on race, sex, religion or ethnicity, choosing to explore diversity in their social interactions instead.

Performing social roles is similar to fulfilling a position description for your job. Your social roles include your position in your military assignment, your relationship to your family members, or obligations to the community. Being a good parent, responding well to superior officers, abiding by the Law are all examples of social wellness.