Once upon a stranger : the science of how "small" talk can add up to a big life / Dr. Gillian Sandstrom.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Sandstrom, Gillian, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Interpersonal communication.

Conversation.

Genre:

Self-help publications.

Physical Description:

294 pages ; 24 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Other Title:

Science of how "small" talk can add up to a big life

Place of Publication:

New York : HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, [2026]

Summary:

"Discover how making connections with strangers leads to positive shifts in our everyday lives, from preeminent researcher and professor of the psychology of kindness Dr. Gillian Sandstrom. Do you ever feel lonely, even in a crowd? Do you feel anxious or worried about what others think of you, or struggle to make friends? You are not alone. But the truth is, opportunities for positive connection and community are all around you. In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Gillian Sandstrom reveals that by talking to strangers, we can unlock more joy, curiosity, and goodwill every day. In an age when loneliness is a social health crisis and harmful behaviors like groupthink increase our perception of distance and polarization, this transformational guide explains the benefits of stretching our perceived limits and connecting with our fellow humans, including: Increased happiness and wellbeing -- Improved social skills and self-esteem -- Reduced anxiety and social biases -- Expanded connections and social circles. Combining powerful scientific findings with stories from her own life, Dr. Sandstrom offers us a new vision of a life well lived, when we have the courage to reach out and simply say, 'hello'."--Publisher

Contents:

Why talking to strangers is hard

No strings attached

Puzzle pieces

Sowing seeds

Feeling seen and seeing together

Skeleton key

The kindess of strangers

Appendix: How to talk to strangers.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 269-294).

ISBN:

9780063385412

0063385414

OCLC:

1565140954