Hey there!
Turns out we miss this more than we ever knew. We’re happier when we say “Hi” to the barista, the postman or our neighbor. Add some eye contact, and we’re good to go.
Gillian Sandstrom and Ashley Whillans call this a ‘weak tie’ and share that we usually have between 11-16 of these little, seemingly unimportant interactions on a given day. But now, when we’re out, we see masks; not smiles, and when we’re at home, we interact with the dog.
What to do?
Here are some ideas to help you get your interpersonal buzz during the quarantine.
Send a text without expecting a reply. Just send. Enjoy the feeling you get when you do good.
Have less hour-long Zoom meetings, and more short calls, text, and DM’s.
Send a classic “Thank You” card to someone who helped you in the past. (Ex: “Dear Mrs. Anderson, Thank you for telling me to reach for the moon when I was in 3rd grade. You set me on an inspiring path.)
Get real on social media. Show a real picture of yourself with that new beard, dark roots, and bushy eyebrows. Show your house looking lived in and real. Show smiles.
For more on this topic check out this article in the Harvard Business Review.
Adele had it right when she checked in. Hello?