Tausi Insider

Photo : Odua Images ( Shutterstock ) One of the many lessons we were forced to learn from the pandemic was the importance of social interaction, and the devastation of social isolation. And even outside of our intimate relationships with friends and family, weak social ties are also necessary to our sense of wellbeing. I know how it easy it is to close yourself off from interactions from strangers. (I mean, as a woman, I’ve been conditioned to do just that for my own safety.) However, building tiny relationships with the peripheral members of our social networks has a powerful impact. Here’s how to start embracing these often overlooked interactions, and how they can make your life a little more joyful. Why you need small social interactions Recent research shows that even weak social interactions—like a quick exchange with a barista or a stranger on the sidewalk—contribute positively to our wellbeing. Behind these studies are psychologist Gillian Sandstrom , whose work aims to...