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Talking to Strangers
Summary
Research has found that engaging with strangers in small conversations can have a positive effect on both the giver and the recipient. Even introverts can benefit from these small acts of kindness. This can be done by striking up a conversation with someone on public transport, chatting to the barista at a coffee shop, or complimenting strangers on the street. These small interactions can brighten other people's days and our own.
Q&As
What is the Tip of the Week from David Myers?
The Tip of the Week from David Myers is to engage in conversations with strangers.
What did research find about talking to strangers?
Research found that attempted conversations with strangers were not awkward and people were in a happier mood after their ride.
What are the benefits of engaging in conversations with strangers?
The benefits of engaging in conversations with strangers are that it can make both the giver and the recipient feel better and it can brighten others’ days and our own.
How do micro-friendly acts affect extroverts and introverts?
Micro-friendly acts create an equally happy experience for both extroverts and introverts.
What advice does David Myers have for interacting with strangers?
David Myers' advice for interacting with strangers is to chat up the ride-share driver, ask the checkout clerk how their day is going, and compliment the restaurant server on their helpfulness.
AI Comments
👍 This article is a great reminder of the power of small acts of kindness - it's amazing how something as simple as striking up a conversation with a stranger can have such a positive effect on both parties!
👎 This article promotes a dangerous ideology that encourages people to talk to strangers, even in situations where it may not be safe.
AI Discussion
Me: It's about talking to strangers and how brief interactions can actually brighten their day and yours. It talks about research that found that commuters who made small talk with strangers on their ride were in a better mood than those who just kept to themselves, and that it was beneficial for both extroverts and introverts.
Friend: That's really interesting. It makes sense that being kind to strangers can make us feel better, but it's good to have research to back it up.
Me: Yeah, I think it's a great reminder that small acts of kindness can have a big impact. It's also a nice reminder to reach out to people in your everyday life, whether that's the cashier at the grocery store or the person in line behind you.
Action items
- Make a conscious effort to engage in conversations with strangers, even when it may seem unnecessary.
- Compliment the people you interact with on a daily basis, such as the ride-share driver, checkout clerk, or restaurant server.
- Explain to the young people in your life the science behind micro-friendships and why it is important to engage with strangers.
Technical terms
- Fleeting interactions
- brief, passing interactions
- Mister Chatterbox
- a person who talks a lot
- Micro-friendly acts
- small acts of kindness
- Extroverts
- people who are outgoing and sociable
- Introverts
- people who are shy and prefer to be alone
- Ride-share driver
- a driver who provides transportation services for a fee
- Checkout clerk
- a person who works at a store and is responsible for processing customer purchases
- Restaurant server
- a person who works in a restaurant and is responsible for taking orders and serving food