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November 16, 2021
by Patricia Tomasi

bigstock man and woman having conversat 405072599

What Makes People Engage In Small Talk Rather Than Deep Conversation?

November 16, 2021 08:00 by Patricia Tomasi  [About the Author]

bigstock man and woman having conversat 405072599
A new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology looked at miscalibrated expectations and how they create a barrier to deeper conversation. “In this research, we wanted to understand why people often engage in small talk in everyday life rather than initiate deeper and more intimate conversations that might strengthen their social relationships,” study author Michael Kardas told us. “We reasoned that people's decisions about what topics to discuss in conversation are guided by their expectations about the likely outcomes of the conversation.” [More]

August 16, 2019
by Tina Arnoldi

Photo by Haut Risque on Unsplash

Want To Feel Happier? Talk To A Stranger

August 16, 2019 08:08 by Tina Arnoldi  [About the Author]

Photo by Haut Risque on Unsplash
Although connecting with others increases happiness, strangers tend to ignore each other. It is could be a preference for solitude, assuming that’s the norm, are “too busy” or feel anxious about speaking to a stranger. But these weak ties can have a more positive impact on well-being than people expect and short conversations with strangers can lift our moods. So why don’t we do it? [More]