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0Today's topic：与陌生人说话可以提升幸福感？ The benefits of small talk.
00:05 主播介绍
00:23 正文
A few months ago, my parents visited me at the New York times. As we rode the elevator to my floor, my father greeted almost everyone who stepped inside. For my dad, strangers in an elevator are merely friends he hasn't met. To a guy toting a large cup of coffee, he remarked that’ll get your brain going. To a woman with stylish footwear, he exclaimed, your sneakers are terrific. While I whispered in embarrassment, suddenly feeling16 again. I understand why my father does this, it makes your world friendlier.
Gillian Sandstrom, an associate professor of psychology at the university of Sussex, has been studying the effects of talking to strangers for the last 16 years. She has found that these interactions can increase well-being, improve social skills, reduce anxiety, and make you feel more connected. A self described introvert, Dr Sandstrom said that plucking up the courage to talk to people she doesn't know had changed her life.
Through these interactions, Dr Sandstrom has met fascinating individuals ranging from a volunteer who administers first aid to bats to a bank bank manager. These sorts of chance exchanges add novelty, different perspectives and learning opportunities into our lives, making them more psychologically rich.
To start chatting, Dr Sandstrom suggests picking people whose interests are visible. An easy shortcut is to look for someone displaying a band t-shirt or reading a book. To minimize discomfort, choose a place that provides a limited time of interaction, such as a checkout line rather than a transatlantic flight. A good formula is to ask a question, find something in common, or extend a kindness.
Furthermore, following your genuine curiosity is usually with the awkwardness. If someone is eating something delicious looking, ask what it is. If you are feeling nervous, Dr Sandstrom advises, pretending you are a regular. In her research, participants who acted like regulars, making eye contact and having genuine social interactions, felt greater happiness and a sense of belonging.
Many people avoid small talk because they assume the other person won't like them, but rejection occurs far less often than anticipated. In the 2022 study, Dr Sandstrom found that 87% of the time strangers took the bait and had a conversation. Even If a person doesn't engage, the feeling passes quickly, whereas successful encounters are remembered longer.
As I walked my parents back to the lobby after the visit and my dad pointed to a security guard. He said It’s that fellow’s birthday today. He said, I found out when I was talking to him this morning, so be sure and wish him a happy birthday. This time, I simply agreed.
04:06 结束语
