Social distancing and isolation mean we’re missing out on serendipitous exchanges with strangers.
Our society has been divided by what is right, what is safe, and how we should behave when communicating to others. When when it comes to going out, reaching out to friends, family, and even strangers.
The opportunities are endless, regardless where you live. Conversations can be started almost anywhere, in a park, river, a swimming pool, trail for holler blades, bike rides, a beach, museum. Find things that motivates going outside everyday.
Strangers can soothe and support us when no one else is around, or boost our mood with a smile or a laugh. They can distract us and help expand our perspective. Sometimes even a gesture can make us feel connected and remind us we are not alone.
Yet we’re missing out on many of these serendipitous moments during the pandemic. Working from home and the disruption of normal activities. It reduces opportunities for casual exchanges with people we don’t know, or with whom we have only loose ties. Yet, if we work at it, it’s possible to generate those moments even now.
Phycologists say that we should try different ways to reach out to others. Even while keeping a distance, join a group, specially online. Stay positive, say something positive – don’t just complain. Don’t take it personally if someone doesn’t want to engage.
“Having a single conversation with a stranger during this tough time can make us feel better in the world,” says Dr. Sandstrom. It can soothe chatter in our own head .
And yet in this pandemic year, as we’ve learned to avoid and even fear getting close to other people. We’ve lost not just our interactions with strangers but also with the casual acquaintances that researchers call “weak ties.” This time can be hard, specially in casual relationships, Such as the person you’re used to seeing in the gym or a colleague, or someone in the elevator but don’t know well.
A study found that people who interact more with strangers are less lonely—and that it doesn’t matter how long those interactions are, just how many of them people have. Participants reported that even emailing with strangers helped. This may be because of something called the “stranger on the train” effect: People sometimes share more with someone they don’t know. One thing is sure when talking to stranger, they fell anonymous, and with that they can be more honest.
I researched studies of experts, read and engaged in lots of conversations with people from all walks of life when preparing this material. I goes without saying that this is my perspective, my own way of looking how to act and react during this unfortunate times that we are call pandemic.
People can tell if you’re smiling behind your mask. You can wave. Give a thumbs-up. Research shows that even when people just make eye contact with someone else they feel better.
Be creative, be strong, be innovating, take care of yourself mentally, your mental state is the key to a successful life, and most important of all, remember success is what if important to you.
