Genuine human connection… I knew something was wrong the moment she crumpled into the plastic airport lounge chair across from me.
Her eyes were red and swollen. A crumpled tissue trembled in her hand. But the real giveaway was the crisply folded American flag in a clear plastic case that rested on her lap like a sacred relic. Every now and then, she’d hug it like it was alive.
Without knowing the full story, I could feel it: deep, aching grief.
I told myself to give her space. Let her be. Don’t interfere.
But then, she ended a phone call and broke down in tears. That’s when I stood, walked over, and gently touched her knee.
“I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss.”
Her head snapped up. “Oh! Thank you,” she said, voice thick with emotion. Genuine human connection.
As I turned to leave, she stopped me.
“My father died. We were so close,” she said. “And just now, I found out my cousin passed too. I just spoke to him at the wake. I’m turning right back around to be with my family.”
I was stunned. One loss is heavy. Two is almost unimaginable.
I Hear You. I Am Here for You.
She needed to talk, so I sat back down. I didn’t have advice. I didn’t have the “right” words. I just listened.
My husband leaned in too, offering a few kind words of comfort. Even the stranger next to her joined the moment. For the next half hour, we weren’t travelers. We were witnesses. We were human.
When it was time to board, we hugged like old friends.
“Thank you for listening,” she said.
“Thank you for sharing,” I replied.
The Healing Power of Presence
That moment stayed with me. It reminded me how powerful it is to simply be present for someone.
Not to fix. Not to give advice. Just to sit with someone in their pain and say: I see you. I hear you. You’re not alone.
Even in the most impersonal of places—a crowded airport lounge—deep human connection is possible. And sometimes, it’s the only thing that really matters.
The Essential Work of Connection
Sociologist Allison Pugh explores this idea in her brilliant book The Last Human Job: The Work of Connecting in a Disconnected World. She calls it “connective labor”—the invisible, emotional work of truly seeing others.
Whether you’re a teacher, nurse, leader, parent, or passerby, offering real human presence is more than kindness. It’s skilled care. It’s the fabric of what makes us human.
In a world obsessed with productivity and efficiency, presence is a radical act. There’s no algorithm for listening. No shortcut for empathy.
Connection Is the Work
That day, I didn’t plan to do anything extraordinary. But I allowed myself to respond to someone else’s pain.
And in doing so, I witnessed how connection blooms—not from grand gestures, but from simple, genuine care.
You have that power too. Every single day.
Because being human, being present, and being a witness to someone’s story? That might just be the most impactful thing you can offer.
Want to build your own communication skills with more empathy, presence, and impact?
Let’s talk. Work with me to strengthen your ability to lead with connection and authenticity.
Follow me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenikelakos/
Eleni Kelakos, CSP The Speaker Whisperer®