Talking to Strangers??!!
Today I’m recommending:
The Happiness Lab. Season One: Episode #4
Mistakenly Seeking Solitude
Link: The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos Mistakenly Seeking Solitude
In this episode, Dr. Laurie Santos, a professor at Yale, tells us that 60% of college students report feeling lonely most of the time. Based on what we see on social media, that might come as a surprise.
Through stories and research studies, Dr. Santos shares with us the science behind:
- Why we should make an effort to connect with people (especially strangers) and tips for how to do so
- Why the frequency of interacting with people is more important than how close you are to that person
- How our fear of seeming awkward, or bothering the other person, can derail us and keep us both from getting that happiness boost
During such a divisive time in our country, when many people feel pretty isolated, we really need to connect with others. These connections and conversations can help us become more tolerant of our differences and at the same time, make us feel happier!
If you find me on my phone in the checkout line (which I do all the time!!!), please remind me that I am missing out on a happiness boost!
This episode is good for: most people. Could be especially encouraging for someone who needs a push to initiate conversations with people around them. Good for teens and adults.
Trigger warnings: At one point it seems to conflate “psychopaths” with homeless people or people with mental illness. A better way to say what they wanted to say would have been “someone dangerous”.
Length: 37 min
I’d love to share your feedback on this podcast!! Please email me your comments and I will post them. Put the podcast title in the subject line. Here are 2 questions that I’d love to have your feedback on:
- Do you have any good conversation starters or tricks that you use to interact with people and get that happiness boost?
- What gets in the way for you?