"Simply chatting with strangers has a lasting impact: It can make the participants happy. Even smiling and waving hello to a vendor you see regularly can boost your spirits, says psychologist Gillian Sandstrom, who delved into the benefits of social ties after her own uplifting exchanges with a hot dog seller during a time when she was feeling really isolated."
"A few weeks ago, we heard from Kristin Jenkins, an infection preventionist and a global health professor at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Mich. She told us that she asks her students to read the story and then try engaging with strangers and casual acquaintances. She had thought they'd enjoy the assignment. And they did."
"What surprised her was how many of her students, "whether they were an introvert or extrovert, indicated that they wanted to continue practicing intentionality. This illustrates an important life lesson; when we are deliberate in showing kindness even through simple conversations it benefits us as much as the recipient.""
""With this article in the back of my head, I started my interaction with the mechanic at Discount Tire by asking his name and shaking his hand," wrote Alaina Avery. "The interaction went even better because the mechanic started having a wonderful conversation about nursing school. Driving home from the mechanic, I felt a blossoming happiness and a lasting smile on my face. This exercise was very eye-opening to me. I look forward to including this more in my da"
Simply chatting with strangers can create lasting happiness. Smiling and waving hello to a familiar vendor can boost spirits. A psychologist links these effects to the benefits of social ties and describes how uplifting exchanges can help when feeling isolated. An infection preventionist and global health professor assigns students to read about these benefits and then practice engaging with strangers and casual acquaintances. Many students report wanting to keep practicing intentionality regardless of personality type. Students describe improved interactions, such as learning a mechanic’s name, shaking hands, and having a positive conversation that leads to a lasting smile and happiness.
Read at www.npr.org
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