Three Ways to Practice Propinquity

According to the online American Psychological Association Dictionary of Psychology, the propinquity effect is “... the tendency of individuals to form close relationships with people they repeatedly encounter. That is, the more often one comes into contact with another person, the more likely it is that one will form a friendship or close relationship with that person.”

Here are three things you can do to make propinquity more of a positive factor in your lives.

First, consciously seek in-person contact with others. In a world in which relationships are increasingly digital, it is important to take the time and effort to visit face-to-face so the propinquity effect can have full, positive impact. 

Second, consciously seek positive in-person interactions with those with whom you disagree. If our in-person interactions with those with whom we disagree include serving with them in some common endeavor, the relationship will deepen and be more enduring. Frequent close interaction while serving with others will not only bless those we serve but  also create bonds of propinquity that will help us deal positively with our differences. 

Third, and most important, the propinquity effect can have the largest impact on us if we apply it to our relationship with the Savior. Christ invites us to have regular and frequent close communication and contact with Him, with the promise that our relationship with Him will deepen and strengthen as a result. “Draw near unto me,” He promises, “... and I will draw near unto you.”

I urge you to take full advantage of propinquity—spend more in-person time coming to know your family, your friends, and especially the Savior. I promise that as you do, your lives will be richer and more joyful.

-Bishop Mike Butcher, Glenville Ward