Insights on making connections with people

Making emotional connection to others is an instrinsic part of reality, since people are nothing but nature in a complex form, and buddhism teaches how to prepare oneself for dealing with all aspects of nature. This is somewhat ignored in traditional buddhism, swept under the rug using the advice to develop loving kindness. While that advice might be true, it is in general quite broad and not specific enough for many people, including myself as a man with Asperger's. I am looking for more concrete and practical advice which is still quite fundamental and applicable in general. Can you please give your insights on developing emotional connection with others - what traits within oneself need to be developed/strengthened to get good at it? Thanks!