Why You Should Chat Up That Stranger
Excerpted from AARP - April 3. 2023
Not too many people actually like idle chatter. It can feel awkward and pointless. And ever since the pandemic and the whole social distancing thing, many of us have gotten used to not really having casual conversations with people we don’t know.
But light chitchat with people outside of your social circle (yes, strangers — just use situational awareness and stick to populated areas) can pay off in many ways.
"Small talk can be the entry point to new friendships,” says Nicole Murray, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist at New York Neurobehavioral Services. “It can help reveal common interests with strangers, leading to meaningful connections, especially in middle age.”
Want to learn how small talk can benefit you personally and professionally? And get tips on how to get started? Click here to visit the AARP website and read the full article.