5 strangers and what you could say to them

Talking to strangers improves our well-being and sense of belonging. Psychologist Gillian Sandstrom offers a host of resources on how to talk to people we don’t already know. An article in The Atlantic describes Sandstrom’s approach as telling “people to follow their curiosity—notice something, compliment a person, or ask them a question.”

Strike up a conversation with:

1. Your barista: “Wow, it’s been a long morning –  this coffee will help. How has your day been?”
2. Your grocery clerk: “It’s so sunny out – has it been super busy here today?”
3. Someone walking their dog: “Hi, I like your dog. What’s their name?” or “Your dog is so energetic! How old are they?”
4. Your “stranger friend”: “I recognize you – we’re friends on Facebook! I’m Sam – isn’t it crazy we’ve never actually met in person?”
5. The person sweeping the sidewalk outside your favorite shop. “It’s so nice of you to take care of the sidewalk in front of my favorite shop!

The more you talk, the easier it gets.

Source: The Atlantic