Did you know that connecting with strangers comes with many benefits? Practicing what听听or making deliberate efforts to connect with others in public can:
- boost your mood
- alleviate feelings of loneliness, disconnection, and distrust in others
- help us become more aware in general of opportunities to connect
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Such efforts signal interest in and care for others, and this benefits everyone involved. Humans are social creature who naturally long to be seen and acknowledged. Being open to and interested in others helps recognize that interactions are not just about checking off tasks we have to do to get by. When we are socially generous, experience feels more open, free and abundant, and we experience how life is not all about survival or competition!
Here are some ideas for how to connect with others in public spaces:
- Put devices away/ use airplane mode
- Make eye contact and small talk
- Smile and greet someone you don't know
Some efforts will probably work better for you than others. Striking up a conversation with someone you're sitting next to on a plane or a group tour is one idea. Or asking for advice or info. from someone who is out doing the same activity as you, or getting to know a customer service worker who is helping you.
Through conscious, intentional efforts, habits can change and make an impact on many levels: your own mental health and well-being, the well-being of others, the communities you take part in, even the greater fabric of society. Sometimes it is easier to make these efforts when we're already out of comfort zone, such as when travelling, or when things are less crowded, such as on campus during summer.
I've experienced the process of learning to intentionally acknowledge others even though at first it scared me quite a bit. As a younger person, I wrestled with social anxiety. I was quiet in groups and afraid of being judged and often felt on the outside of things. Then I attended a very socially-oriented university, where I was exposed to many events during which I was expected to introduce myself to strangers and make small talk. It wasn't easy and took practice, but eventually I learned to talk about all kinds of topics with just about anyone. This lowered my anxiety, and has been improving my experience of life ever since.
The pandemic put me somewhat back in my shell, but recent experiences remind me that doing things to reach out to others and showing kindness makes life better, and that the discomfort and intention this requires is actually part of why it meaningful to us!
